The BareStory
Republican Senators Thom Tillis and Lisa Murkowski joined House Democratic leaders on Tuesday in calling for the removal of Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem. The demands follow the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Alex Pretti by federal agents in Minneapolis on Saturday. While Democrats have threatened to launch impeachment proceedings, President Donald Trump stated Tuesday that Noem will not step down.
Senators Tillis and Murkowski are the first Republican lawmakers to publicly request Noem’s dismissal. Tillis described the secretary's actions as "amateurish" and alleged that she and deputy White House chief of staff Stephen Miller told the president that Pretti was a terrorist before an incident report was available. Additionally, Tillis expressed willingness to separate DHS funding from a pending legislative package to allow for operational changes, such as independent investigations.
In the House, Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and other Democratic leaders announced an ultimatum to impeach Noem if she is not fired, with over 140 Democrats signing a resolution. In a joint statement, Democratic leadership called for the criminal prosecution of agents who break the law and accused the administration of weaponizing taxpayer funds to target citizens. DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin responded that the department enforces laws passed by Congress.
Despite the bipartisan criticism, President Trump told reporters that Noem has done a "very good job" and retains his confidence. While the White House rejected calls for Noem's resignation, the administration has adjusted its strategy in Minnesota. Border official Tom Homan has been deployed to the city to report directly to the president, and Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino was removed from his assignment in Minneapolis following backlash over the response to the shooting.
How it may affect me
As a U.S. reader:
Pending legislation could face delays or restructuring as Senator Tillis proposes separating DHS funding to enforce operational changes like independent investigations into federal agents.
Legislative attention may shift toward impeachment proceedings against Secretary Noem, as House Democrats have threatened action if she is not removed from office.
Federal law enforcement operations in Minneapolis face immediate strategic adjustments with new direct-report leadership installed and previous commanders removed following the fatal shooting.
Future federal interactions with citizens may undergo increased scrutiny regarding the use of taxpayer funds as lawmakers debate the legality and conduct of DHS agents.
