Senators Call For Noem's Resignation After Minneapolis ICE Operations
Two Republican senators urged Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to resign over her handling of ICE operations after a deadly Minneapolis shooting.
Overview
Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., said Kristi Noem's handling of the surge of Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers in Minneapolis was "just terrible" and called for her to resign, telling reporters on Jan. 27 that he has "not at all" confidence in her leadership.
The criticism follows the Jan. 24 fatal shooting of 37-year-old nurse Alex Pretti by a U.S. Border Patrol agent during federal immigration operations and intensified scrutiny of DHS leadership, according to reporting and officials.
Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, told reporters on Jan. 27 that she no longer supports Noem, saying she "voted for her" and "it is probably time for her to step down," mirroring Tillis's call.
Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, declined to join calls for Noem's ouster and said she is in talks with Noem about pausing ICE operations in Maine while relaying constituent cases, according to her remarks to reporters.
President Donald Trump defended Noem on Jan. 28, calling the senators "losers" in an ABC News interview and maintaining confidence as White House officials dispatched Border Czar Tom Homan to oversee the Minnesota operation.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the coverage as an unfolding administrative crisis that emphasizes accountability and contradictory narratives. They highlight bipartisan criticism and leadership shake-ups, foreground video evidence that disputes Noem’s account, and use intensified verbs and placement of skeptical details to stress disarray and pressure for change.