Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries have sharply criticized Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem following her public defense of federal immigration officers involved in recent fatal encounters in Minnesota. Both Democratic leaders voiced their objections in separate public statements, drawing attention to growing political tensions over immigration enforcement and federal law enforcement accountability.
The criticism centers on Noem’s response to two separate incidents: the fatal shooting of Renée Good during an Immigration and Customs Enforcement operation and the later death of Alex Pretti during a Border Patrol encounter. In both cases, Noem expressed support for the federal agents involved, emphasizing their role in carrying out official duties amid volatile situations. Her stance prompted calls from Democratic leaders for stronger scrutiny of DHS leadership.
Sen. Schumer took to social media to denounce Noem’s handling of the situations, arguing that her leadership has undermined public trust. He called for her removal, accusing the DHS secretary of mismanagement and poor judgment. His comments quickly drew attention online and highlighted deep divisions between congressional Democrats and the Trump administration over immigration policy.
Rep. Jeffries echoed similar concerns during a televised interview, questioning Noem’s qualifications and asserting that her conduct warranted dismissal or potential impeachment. He argued that DHS leadership should be held accountable for how enforcement operations are carried out, particularly when they result in civilian deaths. Jeffries acknowledged, however, that Democrats currently lack the numbers in Congress to act unilaterally.
When pressed on what concrete steps Democrats could take, Jeffries said his party would focus on building a case to persuade some Republicans to support oversight or disciplinary measures. He also raised broader concerns about immigration enforcement practices, calling for reforms to ensure public safety while respecting civil liberties. The White House has given no indication that Noem will be removed, underscoring the limits of Democratic leverage as the debate continues.