New York Governor Leads Calls for Homeland Security Secretary's Resignation
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has spearheaded demands for Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to step down from her position, declaring that she has "forfeited her right to lead." This forceful statement follows the fatal shooting of US citizen Alex Pretti in Minneapolis by federal agents over the weekend, marking the second such incident in the Minnesota city this month.
Governor Hochul's Strong Condemnation
At a press conference on Sunday, Governor Hochul delivered a scathing assessment of Secretary Noem's leadership. "Kristi Noem has forfeited her right to lead," she stated unequivocally. "I'm calling on her to resign as Secretary of Homeland Security or Donald Trump to do the right thing and just fire her. And, if not, she must be removed or impeached."
Hochul extended her criticism to Customs and Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino, asserting that he "should also be fired" for his role in escalating operations. She emphasised the fundamental principle of accountability, remarking, "It's a shame I have to say this in America but no one is above the law. No one."
The Minneapolis Incident and Conflicting Narratives
The controversy centres on the death of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old nurse who was shot dead in the street by federal agents. This tragedy occurred shortly after the earlier killing of Renee Good by immigration officials in the same city, intensifying scrutiny of Homeland Security's methods.
The Trump administration responded to Pretti's killing by claiming he was armed and intended to harm officers, even posting a photograph of a gun on the Department of Homeland Security's social media account. However, video evidence captured by bystanders presents a conflicting account, showing Pretti holding only his phone with nothing else in his hands.
Secretary Noem defended the administration's position, stating, "I don't know of any peaceful protester that shows up with a gun and ammunition rather than a sign. This is a violent riot when you have someone showing up with weapons and are using them to assault law enforcement officers."
Legal experts note that Minnesota is an open-carry state where possessing a weapon at a protest is not inherently criminal, protected under Second Amendment rights.
Growing Political Pressure and Bipartisan Criticism
The Pretti case has significantly increased pressure on the Department of Homeland Security, with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey joining in condemning the agency's actions. California Governor Gavin Newsom has also echoed Hochul's call for Noem's resignation and Bovino's dismissal.
While the administration might have anticipated criticism from liberal opponents, more concerning developments have emerged from conservative circles. Erick Erickson, described as a "conservative truth-teller," alleged on social media that ICE's recent aggressions stem from Noem marginalising Trump's border czar Tom Homan. Erickson claimed Noem and Bovino are actively seeking "public confrontations and displays" rather than focusing on criminal apprehensions.
Libertarian journalist Robby Soave offered a pointed critique of the administration's response. "Notice I said 'lying' and not 'wrong,'" he wrote regarding the Pretti and Good cases. "There's no way around this. Kristi Noem and Stephen Miller have claimed [Pretti's] a domestic terrorist who had every intention of harming cops. They have not presented a shred of evidence for this, except that he possessed a gun. Having a gun is a cherished Second Amendment right!"
Soave further argued that the administration appears to believe "they have to defend every single action taken by law enforcement, no matter how wrong or suspect, no matter how many constitutional rights require sacrificing. Deeply wrong, and frankly shameful."
Escalating Demands and Constitutional Concerns
The Democratic Party has formally demanded Secretary Noem's impeachment through its official channels, while the secretary remains the public face of the Trump administration's immigration enforcement strategy. As video evidence continues to challenge official narratives, and criticism expands beyond traditional partisan lines, the pressure on Homeland Security leadership shows no signs of abating.
This situation raises significant questions about law enforcement accountability, constitutional protections, and the appropriate use of force during immigration operations. With family and friends remembering Pretti as a dedicated nurse, and with multiple investigations likely underway, this controversy continues to develop with potentially far-reaching implications for immigration policy and law enforcement practices nationwide.
