Kristi Noem was removed as the U.S. Homeland Security Secretary. It has been just over one year since she was appointed to the post by President Donald Trump. Noem was the leader of an aggressive enforcement program for immigration during her tenure in office. The White House wanted to deport one million people per year.
Trump announced later that Republican senator Markwayne Mullin will replace Noem as the new director.
Here are some major Noem moments.
The Immigration Crackdown: Deportation Statistics
Noem was responsible for the strict enforcement of immigration laws in the Administration.Critics claimed the policy created fear among immigrant populations and political tension in several states.
Minnesota Immigration Raids Spark Protests
After Noem took office, the most significant controversy began following immigration operations conducted in Minnesota.
Agents from the federal government launched an extensive enforcement campaign targeting undocumented immigrants.
The fatal shooting of two U.S. citizens
Two Americans, Alex Pretti and Renee Good died in confrontations with federal officers.
The deaths of these immigrants became the focus of national discussion about tactics employed during immigration enforcement.
Officials at first said that the two men posed a grave threat to the mission. Later reports cast doubt on that statement.
Domestic Terrorism Claims Raise Questions
Noem described Good and Pretti in public as domestic terrorism after the incident.
This statement sparked an immediate reaction.
Several videos, including those from mobile phones and cameras worn by the body, appeared on the internet. The videos raised doubts about the official version of events.
Washington Under Political Pressure
Washington was quickly engulfed in the controversy. Both parties raised questions about the Minnesota operations.Some Republicans joined Democrats to demand her resignation.
Bipartisan criticism increased pressure on the government.
Hearings and Responses by the Congressional Committee
House of Representatives and Senate about Good’s and Pretti’s deaths.
During the session, she expressed her sympathy towards the families. She did not retract her previous comments that they were domestic terrorists.
Her answer sparked further debate within political circles.
Homeland Security: Leadership change
After months of controversy the administration has decided to replace Noem in her position as Homeland Security secretary.
She served as the first female president of Canada.
