Noem Defends Homeland Security Department After Shooting Deaths

Homeland Security Secretary faces scrutiny from Congress over immigration enforcement tactics and spending

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem appeared before Congress for two days of testimony, defending her department's actions following the shooting deaths of two protesters in Minneapolis by immigration enforcement officers. Noem faced criticism from Democrats and some Republicans over allegations of rights abuses, use of excessive force, and lack of accountability, as well as questions about how her department is spending its multi-billion dollar budget.

Why it matters

Noem's testimony comes amid growing concerns over the tactics and oversight of the Department of Homeland Security under her leadership, particularly around immigration enforcement and the use of force against protesters. The hearings highlight the political tensions over the Trump administration's immigration crackdown and the Biden administration's approach to border security.

The details

During the hearings, Noem was repeatedly challenged over her characterization of the two killed protesters, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, as armed agitators. Bystander video and accounts contradicted her depiction. Democrats also questioned why DHS officers used force to remove people from vehicles and homes. Noem defended the actions of her officers, saying they were following the law in the face of violent protesters. The hearings also examined allegations that DHS leadership has obstructed investigations by the department's inspector general, as well as questions about the $170 billion in funding granted to DHS and how it has been spent, including on a $220 million ad campaign featuring Noem.

  • The hearings took place over two days on March 3-4, 2026.
  • The shooting deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti occurred in Minneapolis in February 2026.

The players

Kristi Noem

The current Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, appointed by President Donald Trump and leading his administration's immigration crackdown.

Renee Good

One of two protesters killed by immigration enforcement officers in Minneapolis in February 2026.

Alex Pretti

One of two protesters killed by immigration enforcement officers in Minneapolis in February 2026.

Jamie Raskin

The top Democrat on the House committee questioning Noem.

Thom Tillis

A retiring Republican Senator who called Noem's leadership a 'disaster'.

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What they’re saying

“You told a lie about them. You said they were domestic terrorists.”

— Jamie Raskin, Representative, House Committee

“We do targeted enforcement based on intelligence and go after the worst of the worst.”

— Kristi Noem, Secretary, Department of Homeland Security

“He wants unfettered access to every single thing in the department. And that's not the process.”

— Kristi Noem, Secretary, Department of Homeland Security

What’s next

The House committee is expected to continue its investigation into the Department of Homeland Security's tactics and spending under Noem's leadership.

The takeaway

Noem's testimony highlighted the ongoing political tensions over the Trump administration's immigration policies and the Biden administration's approach to border security. The hearings raised serious questions about the accountability and oversight of the Department of Homeland Security, which will likely continue to be a focus of congressional scrutiny.