Homeland Security Secretary Kristi L. Noem faced intense scrutiny during a contentious congressional hearing on Thursday, where Democratic lawmakers called for her resignation, accusing her of dishonesty and violating laws amid the Trump administration’s aggressive deportation strategies. In stark contrast, Republican representatives expressed strong support for Noem, praising her contributions to reducing illegal immigration and enhancing public safety, highlighting the stark partisan divide on this contentious issue.
Throughout the hearing, Democrats pressed Noem on troubling reports, including the detention of U.S. citizens during immigration operations and the deportation of long-term residents, some of whom served in the military. Notably, protesters interrupted her opening remarks, voicing concerns over Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) practices. One protester shouted, “Get ICE off our streets, stop terrorizing our communities,” before being removed by security.
Rep. Bennie G. Thompson, the ranking Democrat on the House Homeland Security Committee, criticized Noem’s actions and suggested she should resign. “Rather than you sitting here and wasting your time and ours with more corruption, lies and lawlessness, I call on you to resign,” he said, emphasizing his discontent with her leadership.
This hearing marked Noem’s second appearance before the committee, which initially aimed to discuss national security issues but quickly turned into a referendum on her handling of immigration enforcement policies, drawing sharp criticism and public scrutiny.
Tensions escalated when Noem left the hearing early to attend a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) meeting, which was later postponed. Her early departure drew ire from Democrats but a DHS spokesperson clarified that Noem was unaware of the cancellation beforehand.
On the Republican side, Rep. Michael McCaul defended Noem, likening the divisiveness to Charles Dickens’ “A Tale of Two Cities.” He framed the current state of the border, which he believes is more secure than ever, as a positive development.
Intriguingly, the hearing coincided with media reports suggesting White House dissatisfaction with Noem’s performance, particularly regarding the construction of detention centers, though President Trump publicly expressed satisfaction with her work.
Under the Trump administration, there has been a significant push to achieve 1 million deportations within the first year, though recent data revealed daily arrests are not meeting the ambitious targets set by White House advisors. Still, daily arrests have risen, averaging around 1,000, compared to around 600 previously.
Noem has endorsed many controversial policies, including the deportation of Venezuelan nationals to a Salvadoran prison, a decision which faced legal critique for violating due process. During the hearing, Rep. Shri Thanedar accused her of lying and not complying with federal court orders, to which Noem asserted that DHS operates within legal boundaries.
The hearing also touched on sensitive topics, notably the asylum application of Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national involved in a shooting incident in D.C. last month. Noem’s responses further ignited tensions, as lawmakers debated responsibility for his asylum status.
Rep. Seth Magaziner highlighted the issues with DHS’s deportation practices, invoking cases of veterans affected by such policies, showcasing the challenges and human costs incurred under current enforcement strategies.
Recently, DHS has entered into a significant contract for deportation flights, which has been described by advocates as a strategic pivot aimed at increasing agency capabilities. Republicans view this development as a significant advancement, while Democrats express concerns over the implications of such actions.
As lawmakers continue to clash over immigration enforcement, Noem’s leadership remains at the forefront of the national conversation, reflecting a broader dialogue about the future of immigration policy in the United States. The divided opinions illustrate the complexities surrounding immigration enforcement and the need for comprehensive reforms that prioritize both security and humanity.