Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee on March 3. Democrats pressed her on the leadership of the Department of Homeland Security. They focused on immigration enforcement operations and threats to the homeland. The hearing marked her first congressional testimony since deadly incidents in Minneapolis. Noem prepared to testify before the House Judiciary Committee the next day.
Illinois Senator Dick Durbin serves as the ranking Democrat on the committee. He opened with sharp criticism. Durbin said agents under Noem acted without regard for the law.
“Under your leadership, the Homeland Security Department has been devoid of any moral compass or respect for the rule of law,” Durbin stated. “Without hesitation or remorse, DHS agents have wreaked havoc on our cities and acted with unspeakable cruelty against children, immigrant families and American citizens.”
Durbin also highlighted the shutdown of parts of the department. He linked it to disputes over Immigration and Customs Enforcement changes after recent deaths.
Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar pressed Noem about two U.S. citizens killed by federal officers in Minneapolis. The victims were Renee Good and Alex Pretti. Officers shot Good on January 7 and Pretti on January 24 during immigration enforcement actions tied to protests.
Klobuchar asked Noem to address her earlier comments that labeled the incidents as possible domestic terrorism. Noem offered condolences but stood by initial reports from agents.
“When we have these situations happen, we always offer our condolences to those families, and I offer mine as well,” Noem replied. “These are tragic situations.”
Noem added that she provided factual information based on early accounts and noted room for improvement.
Noem highlighted successes in her opening statement. She pointed to historic drops in border crossings and arrests of terrorists and gang members by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
“These results reflect the fact that we are enforcing the laws that Congress has passed,” Noem said.
Additionally, Noem addressed the partial shutdown of agencies like the Federal Emergency Management Agency and Transportation Security Administration. She blamed Democrats for the funding pause that began in mid-February.
“The latest Democrat-led shutdown of DHS is reckless,” Noem stated. “It is unnecessary, and it undermines American national security and it harms the men and women who work at DHS and their families.”
A protester disrupted the hearing before Noem finished her opening remarks. The individual shouted “Abolish ICE” and “Kristi Noem, you should be ashamed of yourself!” Security removed the protester from the room. Noem continued without pause.
Meanwhile, senators raised other issues. Delaware Senator Chris Coons asked Noem about plans to deploy immigration officers at polling places for future elections. Noem ruled it out.
“There are no plans to have ICE officers at our polling locations,” Noem said. She added that states handle elections and her department focuses on targeted operations.
