Republican Senator Thom Tillis Demands Noem's Resignation Over DHS 'Disaster'
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem endured a brutal four-hour grilling before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday, facing bipartisan condemnation over her leadership of the agency. Republican Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina delivered the most scathing rebuke, comparing Noem's tenure to her infamous anecdote about killing a 14-month-old dog and calling for her immediate resignation.
Bipartisan Fury Over Fatal Shootings and Baseless Accusations
The hearing focused heavily on the fatal shootings of American citizens Alex Pretti and Renee Good by federal immigration agents. Noem repeatedly declined to apologize for previously suggesting the victims were domestic terrorists, offering only indifferent condolences to their families. She attempted to clarify that she was accusing them of committing terrorism rather than labeling them terrorists themselves, a distinction that failed to satisfy committee members.
"The fact you can't admit to a mistake — which looks like, under investigation, is going to prove that Ms. Good and Mr. Pretti probably should not have been shot in the face and in the back," said Senator Tillis, who is not seeking reelection. He spent nearly five minutes lambasting Noem's leadership, declaring "What we've seen is a disaster" and threatening to bring Senate business to a standstill unless her office responds to unanswered questions about immigration enforcement operations in his state.
Even Trump Allies Express Frustration
Even typically supportive Republicans expressed frustration with Noem's testimony. Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana, a Trump-aligned lawmaker, spent several minutes pressing Noem to explain why she would baselessly accuse American citizens of domestic terrorism after her officers shot them at point-blank range. Kennedy also questioned why DHS paid over $200 million for an ad campaign featuring Noem telling immigrants to leave voluntarily, asking whether former President Trump knew about the price tag.
When Noem insisted the ads were "effective," Kennedy shot back: "Well, they were effective in your name recognition."
Democrats Condemn 'Unspeakable Cruelty' and Incompetence
Democratic committee members were equally critical, accusing Noem's agency of being "devoid of any moral compass," "reckless," and "utterly incompetent." They said DHS had enabled an "incredible empire" for private prison contractors while unleashing "unspeakable cruelty" toward children and immigrant families.
Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois, the committee's top Democrat, asked Noem: "You believe calling the victims of violence 'domestic terrorists' is a way to calm the scene?" Meanwhile, Senator Peter Welch directly asked if she wanted to apologize, to which Noem responded with a blank stare and silence.
Mounting Legal Troubles and Deaths in Custody
The hearing revealed the extent of DHS's legal and operational crises. Noem is a defendant in dozens of lawsuits alleging unconstitutional arrests and illegal use of force, with new cases emerging daily. The Department of Justice is failing to defend these cases, and her chief spokesperson recently left the agency amid corruption accusations.
When questioned about Marimar Martinez, an American citizen shot five times by a Border Patrol agent in Chicago last year, Noem unconvincingly claimed she was "not familiar" with the case. The case against Martinez collapsed after evidence fell apart, marking another embarrassing loss for DHS.
Noem acknowledged "unfortunate situations where individuals pass away" in DHS custody, which include at least 32 deaths in Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody in 2025 and at least eight so far in 2026. This puts 2026 on track to surpass last year's record high.
Impeachment Threats and Funding Crisis
The hearing occurred amid an ongoing funding lapse at DHS, with Democrats blocking a spending bill they argue doesn't sufficiently restrain immigration officers. Several Republicans attempted to redirect the hearing toward oversight of the Biden administration, while Democrats emphasized the human cost of current policies.
At least three-quarters of House Democrats support a resolution to impeach Noem, with New Jersey Senator Cory Booker urging her to step down or face impeachment. When Booker issued this warning, Noem replied tersely: "I appreciate the encouragement."
As the midterm elections approach, Noem's position appears increasingly precarious, with bipartisan criticism suggesting her leadership has alienated even traditional allies within her own party.
