The political heat around Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is intensifying after the deadly fallout from her immigration crackdown in Minnesota.
Amid calls from Democrats and even some Republicans for her firing, President Donald Trump has stepped forward with a strong defense.
Trump told reporters outside the White House, “I think she’s doing a very good job.
The border is totally secure … we inherited a border with millions of people coming through, and now we have a border where no one is coming through.”
His comments signal that, for now, Noem’s position remains intact despite the growing controversy.
Controversy After Fatal Shootings
The backlash against Noem surged following the tragic shootings of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old nurse from Virginia, and anti-ICE protester Renee Good in Minneapolis on January 7.
Noem drew criticism when she publicly labeled Pretti a “domestic terrorist” shortly after the incident, angering both Trump and lawmakers.
According to reports, Trump confronted Noem in the Oval Office on Sunday, discussing her remarks in a meeting that included White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles.
Following this, Noem was reassigned to focus on securing the Southern Border, moving her away from interior immigration enforcement.
Lawmakers Push Back
Despite Noem’s reassignment, political pressure has not eased.
House Democrats have opened an investigation into her actions, with 140 members co-sponsoring an impeachment resolution, accusing her of self-dealing, obstructing Congress, and violating public trust.
Republicans have also voiced concern.
Leaders like Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Kentucky Representative James Comer worry that Noem’s crackdown in Minnesota may have spiraled out of control, highlighting the bipartisan unease surrounding the situation.
Congressional Oversight Intensifies
Senators are preparing for increased scrutiny of top immigration officials.
Republican Rand Paul has requested testimony from key figures such as Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott, US Citizenship and Immigration Services Director Joseph Edlow, and Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons.
Noem herself is scheduled to testify before the Senate on March 3 as part of routine oversight, according to Politico.
The upcoming hearings are expected to shed light on her handling of the Minnesota crackdown and the broader implications for the administration.
Plummeting Approval Ratings
Public confidence in Noem has taken a significant hit since the shootings.
The latest Daily Mail/JL Partners poll reports a 33 percent approval rating, down from 37 percent before the incidents.
Her disapproval rating has climbed to 41 percent, up from 37 percent in December.
The poll also found that nearly half of respondents, 46 percent, think she should be impeached, while 42 percent say Trump should fire her, highlighting widespread dissatisfaction across the political spectrum.
What’s Next for Noem?
For now, Noem remains in her role, focused on the Southern Border.
But with rising political scrutiny, ongoing investigations, and plummeting public support, her future in the administration is uncertain.
Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle will be watching closely, making the next few weeks critical for the embattled Secretary of Homeland Security.
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