Homeland Security Chief Noem Faces Bipartisan Criticism Over ICE Turmoil

Noem testifies before Senate Judiciary Committee amid funding impasse and fallout from fatal Minneapolis shootings.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem endured sharp questioning from both Democrats and Republicans during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing focused on recent fatal shootings by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis and broader concerns over the agency's practices and leadership.

Why it matters

The hearing highlighted growing bipartisan criticism of Noem's handling of the Department of Homeland Security, including the agency's enforcement tactics, a funding impasse, and allegations of civil rights violations. The fallout from the Minneapolis shootings has become a major political flashpoint, with lawmakers pressing Noem to address the agency's actions and accountability.

The details

Much of the hearing centered on the January deaths of two Minneapolis residents, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, who were U.S. citizens shot during a large-scale immigration enforcement operation known as Operation Metro Surge. Noem initially labeled Pretti's actions as 'the definition of domestic terrorism,' drawing fierce criticism. Senators pressed Noem to retract the claim and apologize, but she declined, citing preliminary reports from agents at what she described as a chaotic scene. The hearing also spotlighted a standoff over DHS funding, with Democrats withholding support for a new appropriations bill unless changes are made to immigration enforcement practices.

  • The hearing took place on Tuesday, March 4, 2026.
  • The fatal shootings in Minneapolis occurred in January 2026.

The players

Kristi Noem

The current Secretary of Homeland Security, appointed by President Donald Trump.

Dick Durbin

A Democratic senator from Illinois who pressed Noem to retract her claim that one of the victims in Minneapolis was a 'domestic terrorist'.

Thom Tillis

A Republican senator from North Carolina who is retiring and criticized Noem's leadership as a 'disaster,' accusing DHS of prioritizing arrest quotas over accuracy.

John Kennedy

A Republican senator from Louisiana who questioned a roughly $200 million taxpayer-funded ad campaign warning migrants against unlawful entry, suggesting the ads boosted Noem's profile more than public safety.

Lindsey Graham

A Republican senator from South Carolina who warned that failing to fully fund DHS could leave the country vulnerable, particularly amid tensions with Iran.

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What they’re saying

“You and your agency rushed to brand these victims as, quote, domestic terrorists. I'm asking you to retract that claim and apologize.”

— Dick Durbin, Senator

“Quality matters, not quantity. I'm going to do everything I can to stall Senate business and block nominees unless you provide answers about these enforcement operations.”

— Thom Tillis, Senator

“There are no plans to have ICE officers at our polling locations. States remain responsible for administering elections.”

— Kristi Noem, Secretary of Homeland Security

What’s next

Noem is scheduled to testify before the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday, March 5, 2026, as the fallout from the Minneapolis shootings and broader concerns over DHS practices continue to be scrutinized.

The takeaway

Noem's testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee highlighted the growing bipartisan criticism and scrutiny she faces over her leadership of the Department of Homeland Security, particularly in the wake of the fatal Minneapolis shootings and broader concerns about the agency's enforcement tactics and accountability.