The Department of Homeland Security is under intense scrutiny as Secretary Kristi Noem grapples with declining public confidence.
A new Daily Mail/JL Partners poll reveals that just a third of Americans currently approve of her performance, highlighting a dramatic shift in public sentiment.
According to the survey, taken on Monday with over 1,000 registered voters and a 3.1 percent margin of error, Noem’s approval rating stands at a modest 33 percent.
Her disapproval, meanwhile, has climbed to 41 percent, up from 37 percent in December.
This marks a notable drop from last month’s 37 percent approval figure, reflecting the fallout from recent controversies in Minnesota.
Public Outcry Over Deportation Crackdown
The plunge in Noem’s popularity comes amid criticism of the DHS’s aggressive deportation efforts, particularly following the deadly shooting of two anti-ICE protesters in Minneapolis.
The incident, which drew national attention, has intensified calls for accountability.
Nearly half of respondents (46 percent) say Noem should be removed from her position, and 42 percent believe President Donald Trump should fire her.
Congressional Democrats have responded by circulating an impeachment resolution against Noem, gathering more than 120 signatures.
However, with Republicans controlling both the House and Senate, the effort faces long odds.
The Minnesota Shooting and Its Fallout
Dissatisfaction with the Trump administration’s deportation operations escalated after Minnesota nurse Alex Pretti, 37, was shot by a Border Patrol agent.
Pretti, an ICU nurse with the Department of Veterans Affairs, was reportedly disarmed by multiple agents before being shot around ten times in the back.
Gruesome video footage of the event circulated online, fueling public outrage.
Noem quickly labeled Pretti a domestic terrorist, though Trump has not endorsed this characterization.
In response to the shooting, Trump announced that Border Czar Tom Homan would take operational control of deportations in Minnesota.
Internal Tensions at DHS
Sources say the relationship between Noem and Homan has been tense since both joined the president’s team.
Homan, a seasoned law enforcement veteran, favors targeting criminal illegal aliens, while Noem is reportedly focused on increasing overall deportation numbers, including anyone in the U.S. illegally.
This aggressive approach, reportedly supported by her deputy and rumored partner Cory Lewandowski, has put her at odds with Homan, ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons, and Border Patrol Commissioner Rodney Scott.
These internal divisions have raised eyebrows among Republicans, some of whom are questioning the overall strategy.
Republican Divisions on Immigration Enforcement
The survey suggests that dissatisfaction with ICE and CBP is not confined to Democrats.
Almost one in four Republicans (23 percent) view ICE unfavorably, and 27 percent support disbanding the agency altogether.
Meanwhile, 19 percent want major city raids to stop, though 71 percent support their continuation.
Opinions are divided over Pretti’s shooting: only 43 percent of Republicans see it as justified, 35 percent remain unsure, and 22 percent call it unjustified.
Even GOP lawmakers have expressed caution.
House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer suggested removing federal law enforcement from Minnesota to prevent further harm, arguing that local authorities should decide how to handle illegal immigration.
Trump’s Calculated Messaging
President Trump has maintained support for Noem despite the controversy.
After phone calls with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, Trump signaled a temporary thaw in relations, posting on social media that progress is being made and claiming alignment with Walz.
This is a marked shift from earlier clashes, where Trump accused both officials of supporting insurrectionist elements in the state.
With tensions simmering among DHS leadership, Congress, and the public, Kristi Noem faces an uphill battle to regain credibility.
The coming weeks will test whether she can stabilize her standing amid mounting scrutiny and internal rivalries.
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