Noem Testifies Before House Committee After Refusing to Apologize for Labeling Good, Pretti as Domestic Terrorists

Secretary of Homeland Security faces intense questioning over ICE operations and fatal shootings in Minneapolis

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem testified before the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday, facing intense questioning from Democrats over her handling of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in Minneapolis and her refusal to apologize for labeling Renee Good and Alex Pretti as "domestic terrorists" following their fatal shootings by federal agents earlier this year.

Why it matters

Noem's testimony comes amid a standoff between Democrats and Republicans over reforming ICE, with Democrats refusing to fund the Department of Homeland Security unless changes are made to the agency following the deaths of Good and Pretti. Her comments about the two individuals have drawn widespread criticism, with Democrats accusing her of launching a "smear campaign" without evidence.

The details

During the hearing, Rep. Jamie Raskin, the top Democrat on the committee, attacked Noem over her handling of the ICE operations and the fatal shootings. Raskin said Noem launched a "smear campaign" against Good and Pretti, and accused her of providing no evidence to back up her claims that their conduct was "domestic terrorism." Noem defended her comments, calling Raskin's statements "lies" and saying they should be working together for the families who lost loved ones to those who were illegally in the U.S.

  • Noem testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
  • The fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti occurred in January 2026.

The players

Kristi Noem

U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security.

Jamie Raskin

Representative from Maryland and the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee.

Renee Good

An individual who was fatally shot by federal agents in Minneapolis earlier this year.

Alex Pretti

An ICU nurse at the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs hospital who was fatally shot by federal agents in Minneapolis earlier this year.

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What they’re saying

“You've provided no evidence to back up your defamatory lie against either of these American citizens.”

— Jamie Raskin, Representative from Maryland and the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee (wbal.com)

“You've turned our government against our people, and you've turned our people against our government. But the people are winning today, although we know we must continue to wake up every day like the people of Minneapolis, and go out and fight for constitutional freedom.”

— Jamie Raskin, Representative from Maryland and the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee (wbal.com)

“We should be working together for families who lost loved ones to those who were illegally in the U.S.”

— Kristi Noem, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security (wbal.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.