Homeland Security Chief Defends 'Domestic Terrorism' Claim in Senate Hearing

Noem refuses to retract or apologize for characterization of protesters killed in Minneapolis

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem faced intense questioning from both Democratic and Republican senators over her department's immigration crackdown, particularly her characterization of two protesters killed in Minneapolis as 'domestic terrorists'. Noem stood by her comments, saying they were based on real-time reports from agents on the ground, despite testimony from other agency officials that they had provided no such assessment. Senators criticized Noem's handling of the situation and the loss of innocent lives.

Why it matters

Noem's refusal to back down on the 'domestic terrorism' claim has sparked outrage, with lawmakers accusing her of inflaming tensions and making an unjustified characterization that contributed to the loss of life. The hearing highlights the ongoing political divisions and debates around immigration enforcement, use of force, and the government's response to civil unrest.

The details

During the Senate hearing, Noem faced intense questioning from both Democratic and Republican senators over her department's immigration crackdown, particularly her characterization of protesters Renee Good and Alex Pretti, who were killed in Minneapolis, as 'domestic terrorists'. Noem stood by her comments, saying they were based on real-time reports from agents on the ground, despite testimony from other agency officials that they had provided no such assessment. Senators criticized Noem's handling of the situation, with Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin scoffing at the 'domestic terrorist' claim and GOP Sen. Thom Tillis calling it 'a disaster under your leadership'.

  • The Senate hearing took place on Tuesday, March 4, 2026.

The players

Kristi Noem

The Homeland Security Secretary who faced questioning over her department's immigration crackdown and her characterization of protesters as 'domestic terrorists'.

Dick Durbin

A Democratic senator who criticized Noem's 'domestic terrorist' claim, asking if she believed that was a way to 'calm the scene'.

Thom Tillis

A Republican senator who criticized Noem's handling of the situation, calling it 'a disaster under your leadership'.

Renee Good

One of the protesters killed in Minneapolis, whom Noem had characterized as a 'domestic terrorist'.

Alex Pretti

One of the protesters killed in Minneapolis, whom Noem had characterized as a 'domestic terrorist'.

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What they’re saying

“You believe calling the victims of violence 'domestic terrorists' is a way to calm the scene?”

— Dick Durbin, Democratic Senator (USA Today)

“What we've seen is a disaster under your leadership, Ms. Noem. What we've seen is innocent people getting detained that it turns out are American citizens.”

— Thom Tillis, Republican Senator (New York Times)

What’s next

The Senate hearing is likely to continue, with further questioning and scrutiny of Noem's actions and statements regarding the protesters killed in Minneapolis.

The takeaway

Noem's refusal to back down on the 'domestic terrorism' claim has sparked outrage and criticism from both Democratic and Republican senators, highlighting the ongoing political divisions and debates around immigration enforcement, use of force, and the government's response to civil unrest. The hearing underscores the need for greater accountability and transparency in the handling of such sensitive situations.