Kristi Noem struggles as Republicans & Democrats hammer her in fiery Senate Judiciary Committee hearing
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem repeatedly struggled to defend her record Tuesday during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing as lawmakers from both parties grilled her about deadly ICE shootings in Minnesota, aggressive immigration enforcement tactics, FEMA disaster delays, a controversial government plane and a $220 million ad campaign.
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The tense hearing stood in stark contrast to the Senate vote that nominated Noem to the post last year. The Senate confirmed the former South Dakota governor as secretary of homeland security in a 59-34 vote in January 2025, with all Republicans and seven Democrats supporting her nomination.
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On Tuesday, however, some of the sharpest criticism came from members of his own party. Throughout the hearing, Noem defended DHS agents as trained professionals conducting targeted enforcement operations focused on public safety threats and rejected allegations that the department was operating outside constitutional bounds.
As Democrats pressed constitutional concerns over immigration enforcement tactics and the deadly ICE shootings in Minnesota, Republican Senators Thom Tillis of North Carolina and John Kennedy of Louisiana delivered some of the strongest rebukes to the Trump administration official. The hours-long hearing revealed growing unease within the Republican Party over how immigration policies are implemented and whether operational missteps are undermining public confidence in those efforts.
Tillis delivers ‘performance review’ and warning
Tillis used his ten minutes not to ask questions but to deliver what he described as a “performance review.”
“I’m not looking for an answer,” Tillis said, making clear he intended to lecture rather than engage in dialogue.
Tillis said he supports aggressive immigration enforcement but argued that DHS has prioritized total arrests over targeting dangerous offenders. “We just want numbers,” he said, referring to what he called pressure from the White House. “Quality matters, not quantity. Quality.”
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He accused Noem of mishandling the aftermath of the fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti during Operation Metro Surge in Minneapolis, saying the department’s response damaged the credibility of ICE agents. “You cast a veil over them,” Tillis said.
He went further, saying he had already “requested your resignation” and warned that if DHS did not answer his outstanding surveillance questions, he would intensify its efforts in Congress.
Tillis also criticized FEMA’s response to disasters in North Carolina, questioning a policy requiring Noem to personally review spending over $100,000 and suggesting it slowed relief efforts following severe storms. Throughout her remarks, Noem attempted to respond but was interrupted several times as Tillis maintained control of her time.
Kennedy stresses spending, optics and DHS jet
Kennedy delivered another pointed critique, focusing on spending decisions and political optics surrounding DHS leadership.
Kennedy challenged Noem over the department’s $220 million ad campaign promoting immigration enforcement policies that highlight her image. “How do you reconcile this concern about waste … with the fact that you spent $220 million to run TV ads that highlight you?” he asked.
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Kennedy also insisted on the department’s use of a Boeing 737 equipped with high-end equipment, including a bedroom. Reports about the plane have fueled controversy in Washington, as well as speculation about Noem’s relationship with a senior adviser and whether the plane was used for personal purposes. Noem defended the plane as being refurbished for official missions and said purchasing department-owned planes would save taxpayer money compared to leasing.
Democrats focus on shootings and civil liberties
Democrats focused much of their questioning on the Minneapolis sweep, which involved more than 3,000 federal immigration agents. Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota said two of three fatal law enforcement shootings in Minneapolis in a single month involved federal agents. “My constituents, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, were killed. They should be alive today,” Klobuchar said.
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Sen. Mazie Hirono of Hawaii challenged Noem over early public statements describing the shootings as acts of domestic terrorism. Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey accused DHS of illegally detaining U.S. citizens and cited court findings that ICE violated numerous court orders this year. Sen. Chris Coons of Delaware questioned whether DHS was operating under informal deportation quotas after White House adviser Stephen Miller’s public comments referring to daily apprehension targets.
“Senator, we have no quota on our law enforcement,” Noem said.
This article originally appeared on Advocate: Kristi Noem struggles as Republicans and Democrats hammer her in fiery Senate Judiciary Committee hearing.
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