Republican Senators Demand Noem's Resignation After Minnesota Shooting Fallout
Two prominent Republican senators have broken ranks with their party to demand the resignation of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, following her controversial response to a second fatal shooting by immigration authorities in Minnesota. The growing dissent represents a significant challenge to the administration's handling of border enforcement incidents.
Bipartisan Criticism Intensifies
Senator Thom Tillis, a retiring Republican from North Carolina, delivered particularly scathing criticism of Secretary Noem's conduct. "I think that what she's done in Minnesota should be disqualifying; she should be out of a job," Tillis told The Independent. "It's just amateurish. It's terrible. It's making the president look bad on policies that he won on."
The controversy stems from the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old nurse, by Customs and Border Protection officials in Minneapolis last Saturday. In the immediate aftermath, Noem described Pretti as a "domestic terrorist" - a characterization that has drawn widespread condemnation from both sides of the political aisle.
Moderate Republicans Join the Fray
Senator Lisa Murkowski, a moderate Republican from Alaska, echoed Tillis's concerns about Noem's leadership. "The Secretary has an opportunity, in fact, she has an obligation to control these situations that are under her jurisdiction, and she has not done so," Murkowski stated. "Rhetoric like that does not help it. She has, through her words and I think interactions, taken a direction that has not been helpful to the situation."
Murkowski's criticism carries particular weight given her previous support for immigration enforcement measures. Last year, she voted for President Donald Trump's "One Big, Beautiful Bill" which allocated more than $75 billion to Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Despite having voted to confirm Noem's appointment, Murkowski now expresses serious reservations about her continued tenure.
Broader Republican Discontent
The discontent extends beyond these two senators. Senator James Lankford of Oklahoma distanced himself from Noem's characterization of Pretti, telling The Independent, "I don't call him a domestic terrorist." Other Republicans adopted more cautious positions, with Senator Mike Rounds of South Dakota calling for a "full and complete investigation" before making determinations.
Senator Tillis expanded his criticism to include top CBP official Greg Bovino, whose reported removal from his role has been denied by the White House. "Bovino, whatever his name is, he needs to go back to California, get his retirement papers and go," Tillis said bluntly. "These people are amateurs. They got to de-escalate there and treat these communities with some respect."
Democratic Opposition Solidifies
Democrats, who had already called for Noem's removal following the initial shooting, have strengthened their position. Senator Jeane Shaheen of New Hampshire, who voted to confirm Noem last year, now states unequivocally: "I think Kristi Noem should resign or be removed. She clearly does not know what she's doing. She's not up to the job. She's lied to the American public, and it's time for her to go."
Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia expressed similar regret about his confirmation vote, telling The Independent: "I got 50 decisions I have to make today. So I don't think back a year ago, but boy, if I was voting today, I'd vote against her."
Funding Battle Looms
The political fallout occurs against the backdrop of crucial funding negotiations. Last week, the House passed a package of spending bills to fund major government departments, including Homeland Security. However, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has indicated Democrats will oppose the spending package due to increased funding for ICE, which operates within the Department of Homeland Security.
This creates a complex political landscape where bipartisan criticism of Noem's leadership intersects with broader debates about immigration enforcement funding and accountability mechanisms within federal agencies.
Administration Response and Future Implications
The White House has thus far not retreated from supporting Noem's comments about Pretti, with Vice President JD Vance having retweeted statements defending the characterization. Noem retains powerful allies, including Senate Majority Leader John Thune, a fellow South Dakotan who worked with her during her tenure as governor.
Nevertheless, the emergence of public criticism from within her own party represents a significant development. The calls for resignation from both Republican and Democratic senators suggest growing concerns about the administration's handling of enforcement incidents and the rhetoric surrounding them.
As funding deadlines approach and political tensions escalate, the pressure on Secretary Noem continues to mount, with her future in the administration appearing increasingly uncertain amid bipartisan calls for accountability and leadership change.
