The federal government is grappling with internal chaos after Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem defended the killing of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old VA nurse, by an ICE agent over the weekend in Minneapolis.
Criticism has come not only from political observers but also from within the ranks of federal immigration agencies themselves.
Tension Hits the Airwaves
On Monday, Fox News’ Fox & Friends pressed Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche about reports that DHS officials were frustrated with Noem’s messaging following the shooting.
Host Griff Jenkins asked if Blanche agreed with Noem’s claim that Pretti’s actions amounted to “domestic terrorism.”
Blanche sidestepped the term, instead calling the situation a tragedy and noting that investigations were ongoing.
“No one thinks this is exactly the legal definition of domestic terrorism,” Blanche said, while also criticizing Minnesota’s Democratic leadership.
“We are reviewing body cam and witness footage before drawing conclusions.”
Noem’s Controversial Statement
During a Saturday press conference, Noem had described Pretti’s actions as domestic terrorism, saying, “When you perpetuate violence against a government because of ideological reasons… that is the definition of domestic terrorism.”
Her remarks have sparked outrage across political lines and within the department she leads.
Trump Steps In
Even former President Donald Trump appeared to subtly rebuke Noem.
On Monday, he announced he was sending White House border czar Tom Homan to Minneapolis to take charge of the federal response.
“He is tough but fair, and will report directly to me,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Homan and Noem have a well-known rivalry over immigration enforcement and Trump’s deportation agenda.
Internal DHS Frustration
DHS insiders told Fox congressional correspondent Bill Melugin that Noem’s handling of Pretti’s death has been “catastrophic” for morale and has “eroded trust and credibility.”
One source described the department’s messaging as a “case study on how not to do crisis PR.”
Some compared the confusion to Democratic efforts during the Biden administration to assert border control despite high numbers of undocumented crossings.
Disputed Details of the Shooting
Noem claimed Pretti intended to commit a “massacre” of federal agents and carried a handgun to inflict “maximum damage.”
Yet multiple bystander videos appear to contradict this narrative, showing Pretti never drawing or unholstering his weapon.
Forensic audio analysis counted ten shots fired at Pretti in under five seconds, raising questions about the ICE agent’s use of force.
Trump Maintains Support for ICE Agents
While critical of DHS messaging, Trump continued to defend ICE agents, calling them “patriots” and urging Americans to allow them to carry out their duties.
However, a White House official reportedly told conservative radio host Erick Erickson that Trump is displeased with how the department has handled the crisis.
Agents Speak Out
Several federal agents expressed frustration, claiming DHS is worsening the situation with poor communication.
One agent told Fox, “DHS is wrong… we are losing this war, we are losing the base and the narrative.”
The tension illustrates growing rifts within the agency, which has faced criticism over leadership, turf wars, and mixed messaging throughout Noem’s tenure.
What’s Next
As investigations continue and footage is analyzed, DHS and the Trump administration face mounting scrutiny over the handling of Pretti’s death.
Officials inside the department are calling for clearer leadership, while public opinion remains divided.
The coming days could determine whether Noem’s position stabilizes or whether further shake-ups are on the horizon.
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