Homeland Security Secretary Defends Federal Agents' Conduct Amid Allegations of Excessive Force

Kristi Noem refuses to acknowledge misconduct, blames Democrats for protecting 'illegal aliens' over citizens

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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In a heated House Judiciary Committee hearing, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem defended the actions of federal agents, including the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis, and blamed Democrats for 'defending citizens' over 'illegal aliens'. Noem claimed agents only use 'soft techniques' when citizens don't respond to verbal commands, and argued the agency can administer its own warrants without judicial approval, despite concerns over Fourth Amendment violations.

Why it matters

The hearing highlighted the ongoing tensions between the Biden administration's DHS and Congressional Democrats over the conduct of federal agents, particularly in the use of force against U.S. citizens. The deaths of Renée Good and Alex Pretti have sparked outrage and renewed scrutiny of DHS policies and training.

The details

During the hearing, Rep. Zoe Lofgren showed Noem videos of federal agents forcibly detaining U.S. citizens without warrants, prompting Noem to defend the agents' actions. Rep. Jamie Raskin pressed Noem on the killings of Good and Pretti, two U.S. citizens shot and killed by federal agents in Minneapolis in January, which Noem had initially labeled as 'domestic terrorism' before video evidence contradicted that claim.

  • On March 4, 2026, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem testified before the House Judiciary Committee.
  • In January 2026, federal agents killed Renée Good and Alex Pretti, two U.S. citizens, in Minneapolis.

The players

Kristi Noem

The current Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, appointed by the Biden administration.

Zoe Lofgren

A Democratic Representative from California's 19th congressional district and a member of the House Judiciary Committee.

Jamie Raskin

A Democratic Representative from Maryland's 8th congressional district and a member of the House Judiciary Committee.

Renée Good

A U.S. citizen who was killed by federal agents in Minneapolis in January 2026.

Alex Pretti

A U.S. citizen who was killed by federal agents in Minneapolis in January 2026.

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What they’re saying

“Today [Democrats] are defending citizens because they know they shouldn't be putting illegal aliens in front of citizens. They realize that when they're fighting for people who shouldn't be in this country to begin with, that's a losing statement with the American people.”

— Kristi Noem, Secretary of Homeland Security (motherjones.com)

“If an individual doesn't respond to verbal commands [from agents], then they go to soft techniques.”

— Kristi Noem, Secretary of Homeland Security (motherjones.com)

“We're fighting for American citizens, Madam Secretary, because your ICE agents shot them in the face and killed them.”

— Jamie Raskin, U.S. Representative (motherjones.com)

What’s next

The House Judiciary Committee is expected to continue investigating the conduct of federal agents and the DHS's policies, with a focus on the killings of Renée Good and Alex Pretti.

The takeaway

This hearing underscores the ongoing tensions between the Biden administration's DHS and Congressional Democrats over the use of force by federal agents, particularly against U.S. citizens. The deaths of Renée Good and Alex Pretti have sparked outrage and renewed scrutiny of DHS policies, training, and accountability measures.