Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem faced intense questioning from Fox News host Sean Hannity regarding her characterisation of Alex Pretti as a “domestic terrorist” following his fatal shooting by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. The interview, which aired on Friday 30 January 2026, has amplified the scrutiny surrounding Noem's handling of the incident and her public statements.
Scrutiny Over Pretti Shooting Intensifies
Noem has been under fire for her department's response to the shooting, with critics calling for her impeachment and dismissal. The controversy centres on the initial claim by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that Pretti drew a gun during the encounter, a statement that has been challenged by video evidence suggesting the weapon was disarmed before the fatal shots were fired.
Hannity Presses Noem on 'Premature' Claims
During the Fox News segment, Hannity directly questioned Noem about whether the DHS's early assertion was “premature.” He highlighted the discrepancies between the official account and the visual evidence, putting pressure on the secretary to justify her department's actions and her subsequent labelling of Pretti as a terrorist.
In her defence, Noem attributed the initial inaccurate information to the “chaotic” nature of the situation on the ground. She also shifted blame to the previous administration, citing ongoing border issues as a contributing factor to the incident. This response has done little to quell the growing calls for accountability from both political opponents and civil rights advocates.
Trump Backs Noem Amid Investigation Calls
Adding to the political drama, former President Donald Trump has publicly backed Kristi Noem, while calling for an “honest” investigation into Alex Pretti's death. Trump further described Pretti as an “insurrectionist” in a post on Truth Social, aligning with a narrative that some argue seeks to justify the killing. This endorsement has polarised opinions, with supporters viewing it as a defence of law enforcement and critics seeing it as an attempt to influence the investigation.
The fallout from this incident continues to unfold, with implications for immigration policy, law enforcement accountability, and political partisanship in the United States. As investigations proceed, the debate over the use of force by ICE agents and the rhetoric surrounding such events remains highly charged.
