Lawmakers Demand Accountability Over Minneapolis Shootings
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem will appear before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday as pressure builds in Washington. Several lawmakers want her to resign, while others have floated impeachment.
The hearing comes amid sharp criticism of how she has managed immigration enforcement under President Donald Trump. Tensions rose after the fatal shootings of Alex Pretti and Renee Nicole Good during immigration operations in Minneapolis. Following those incidents, calls for her testimony intensified.
Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Chuck Grassley had already been seeking her appearance for routine oversight of the Department of Homeland Security. However, the Minneapolis shootings pushed the issue to the forefront.
Democrats Signal Tough Questions Ahead
Sen. Dick Durbin, the top Democrat on the committee, criticized Noem for previously declining to testify. He questioned her leadership and accused the department of mismanagement during what he described as a national crisis.
Meanwhile, at least one Republican has also voiced frustration. Sen. Thom Tillis previously threatened to block DHS nominees until Noem agreed to testify. Although he stopped short of backing impeachment, he said new leadership may be needed.
Despite the backlash, President Trump has defended Noem. He dismissed suggestions that she should be fired and pointed to what he described as strong border enforcement and low crime numbers during his administration.
DHS Shutdown Enters Third Week
At the same time, the Department of Homeland Security remains partially shut down. The funding lapse has now entered its third week, creating fresh concerns about national security and disaster response.
Some Republicans worry that the shutdown could limit DHS’s ability to respond to threats, especially after recent U.S. strikes in Iran. Others argue that prolonged uncertainty weakens the agency’s overall readiness.
Negotiations between the White House and Senate Democrats, led by Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, have continued for weeks. Although the White House recently sent what it called a serious offer, no final deal has emerged.
As the stalemate drags on, pressure is mounting on both sides to reach an agreement and restore full funding to the department.
