Senator Dick Durbin intensely questioned Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem during a Senate Judiciary Committee oversight hearing over her department’s handling of deadly shootings in Minneapolis.2019
Minneapolis Shootings Background
Federal immigration agents killed two U.S. citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, amid Operation Metro Surge, an enforcement crackdown in the Twin Cities. The incident sparked controversy after Noem described it as appearing to involve ‘domestic terrorism,’ a characterization she based on initial reports agents at the chaotic scene.2019
Durbin’s Direct Challenge
Durbin, the top Democrat on the committee, pressed Noem to retract her statements. ‘Is it so hard to say you were wrong?’ he asked, noting that ICE and CBP leaders confirmed they provided no information labeling Pretti a domestic terrorist. Noem offered condolences to the families but stood firm, stating, ‘I was getting reports the ground, from agents at the scene, and I would say that it was a chaotic scene.’19
Bipartisan Criticism Emerges
Republican Senator Thom Tillis also criticized Noem’s leadership, calling it a ‘disaster’ and demanding her resignation. He referenced her memoir anecdote about killing her dog as evidence of poor judgment, asking, ‘Why can’t we just say we made a mistake?’ Democratic Senator Cory Booker echoed calls for Noem to step down or face impeachment.20
Ongoing DHS Challenges
The hearing addressed a partial DHS shutdown amid stalled funding negotiations, with Noem labeling it ‘reckless’ and harmful to national security. Senators questioned continued ICE presence in Minnesota, now at about 650 agents, and potential deployments at polling places. Noem deflected, focusing on concerns over noncitizen voting.2019
Investigations by the FBI and other agencies continue into the shootings, as lawmakers from both parties scrutinize federal tactics during immigration operations.
