Mass. Congressional Delegation Blasts Noem After Trump Fires Homeland Security Boss

Lawmakers celebrate the ouster of Kristi Noem, the former Homeland Security secretary, but warn that deeper reforms are needed.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Massachusetts's all-Democratic congressional delegation wasted little time celebrating the ouster of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who was fired by former President Trump. However, they warned that Noem's termination alone is not enough to halt Trump's "campaign of terror" and that the Department of Homeland Security requires serious reforms, including impartial investigations into the killings of two American citizens by federal agents.

Why it matters

The firing of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has sparked strong reactions from the Massachusetts congressional delegation, who view it as a positive step but argue that deeper reforms are needed at the Department of Homeland Security to address ongoing issues of civil liberties violations and lack of accountability.

The details

Noem was fired by former President Trump after she reportedly lied to Congress about spending over $200 million of taxpayer dollars on ads promoting herself. However, the delegation noted that Trump took no action after two Americans were killed by Noem's federal agents, underscoring the need for impartial investigations and a reckoning with DHS's problematic record.

  • Noem was fired by Trump on March 5, 2026.
  • Noem recently testified before Congress.

The players

Kristi Noem

The former Homeland Security secretary who was fired by former President Trump.

Ayanna Pressley

A Congresswoman from Boston who called for the abolition of ICE.

Elizabeth Warren

A Senator from Cambridge who criticized Noem for lying to Congress about spending taxpayer money on self-promotion.

Jim McGovern

A Congressman from Worcester who mocked a fellow Republican, Congressman Mullin, for hiding behind a chair during the January 6th Capitol insurrection.

Richie Neal

A Congressman from Springfield who said Noem's firing was long overdue and called for serious reforms and investigations at the Department of Homeland Security.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Goodbye and good riddance. But don't take the bait. Firing Noem alone won't halt Trump's campaign of terror. The atrocities happening by ICE behind the walls of detention facilities and in broad daylight have proven that ICE cannot be reformed. Abolish ICE NOW.”

— Ayanna Pressley, Congresswoman (X)

“So let me get this straight: Trump fired Noem after she lied about spending over $200 million of taxpayer dollars on ads promoting herself. But he wouldn't lift a finger after two Americans were killed by her federal agents?”

— Elizabeth Warren, Senator (X)

“Great. They replaced the lady who shot her dog with the guy who hid behind a chair on January 6th.”

— Jim McGovern, Congressman (X)

“This is long overdue. However, this does not change the fact that DHS needs serious reforms, and impartial investigations into the killings of two American citizens need to be conducted. We must defend the rule of law and the basic civil liberties that define our democracy.”

— Richie Neal, Congressman (X)

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.