Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem faces two days of congressional questioning that began Tuesday amid sharp criticism of immigration enforcement and rising concerns over homeland security after U.S. strikes on Iran.
Noem Faces First Capitol Hill Appearance Since Minneapolis Shootings
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday. Lawmakers pressed her on deadly incidents during immigration operations in Minneapolis. Federal agents shot and killed two U.S. citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, earlier this year. Noem offered condolences to the families but defended the agents. She stated that officers should never be threatened or harmed while enforcing our laws.
Democrats Blast ICE Operations and Call for Accountability
Top Democrat on the committee Dick Durbin led the criticism. He described Noem as the public face for an abominable anti-immigrant crusade. Durbin added, “Her agents continue to wreak havoc on our cities and act with unspeakable cruelty against children, immigrant families, and American citizens. The American people are horrified by what they’re seeing, and Secretary Noem stonewalled Congress for months because she knew her conduct was egregious. She will be asked tough questions and held accountable for her reckless and deadly enforcement agenda.”
Polls showed Americans opposed ICE tactics by a two-to-one margin. Support for Noem dropped further after the Minneapolis deaths, with many respondents calling for her removal.
Republicans Acknowledge Mistakes in Enforcement
Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley told Noem that mistakes were made in the immigration crackdown. Grassley still stressed the need to protect officers. He noted the hearing occurred while parts of the Department of Homeland Security remained shut down due to a funding impasse over ICE reforms.
Noem Testifies Again Wednesday Before House Panel
Noem prepares to appear before the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday. The back-to-back hearings marked her first extended congressional scrutiny since the Minneapolis incidents and the start of the Iran conflict. Democrats tied funding restoration to major changes in enforcement practices. Republicans warned that continued shutdowns endangered national security during the heightened global tensions.
