Noem faces Senate grilling after 2 Minneapolis protesters' deaths

WASHINGTON (TNND) — Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is in the hot seat Tuesday as she testifies before the Senate Judiciary Committee — her first congressional appearance since the shooting deaths of two U.S. citizens during federal immigration enforcement operations in Minneapolis.

In her opening statement, Noem credited President Donald Trump's leadership and Homeland Security personnel with what she described as historic results, including steep declines in border encounters, record-low apprehensions, and successful arrests and deportations.

"Thanks to President Trump's leadership and the hard work of the men and women of DHS, our department has delivered historic results and has made our community safer," Noem said. "Since the start of President Trump's second term, daily encounters along the southwest border declined by 96% compared to the Biden administration's daily average."

She also highlighted efforts to locate missing unaccompanied migrant children and curb drug trafficking, while warning that ICE officers are facing what she called an escalating threat, including sharp increases in death threats and assaults.

Noem criticized Senate Democrats over the ongoing DHS funding impasse, saying the standoff is straining critical security missions and harming department employees. She thanked DHS staff for continuing their work during the dispute.

Angel Moms, parents whose children have died because of illegal immigrants, could be seen in attendance at the hearing, appearing to support Noem.

Last month, Trump signed a proclamation declaring February 22 as "Angel Family Day" to honor two survivors and 62 people killed by illegal migrants. The date was chosen in remembrance of Laken Riley, who was killed by an illegal migrant on February 22, 2024.

The 22-year-old Georgia nursing student was out on a run when she was murdered by Venezuelan national Jose Ibarra, who was convicted of Riley's death.

Her testimony comes as lawmakers prepare to press her on the department’s immigration enforcement tactics and her leadership amid intense scrutiny following the Minneapolis shootings.

On Jan. 7, ICE agents shot and killed Renee Good. On Jan. 24, Customs and Border Protection officers fatally shot Alex Pretti while conducting immigration operations in Minneapolis. The deaths sparked protests and renewed calls for oversight of DHS actions.

President Trump dispatched border czar Tom Homan to Minneapolis to oversee operations. Homan has since announced that Operation Metro Surge is coming to an end.

Noem and other administration officials initially described the shootings as defensive actions — a characterization sharply disputed by critics.

Democrats on the committee are expected to focus on allegations that officers under Noem’s authority have abused their power, used excessive force and violated constitutional rights during enforcement actions.

“Secretary Noem is the public face for an abominable anti-immigrant crusade,” said Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois, the committee’s top Democrat, ahead of the hearing.

DHS has blamed clashes in cities such as Minneapolis and Chicago on Democratic leaders, accusing them of encouraging resistance to federal officers during arrest operations.

______*Editor's note: *The Associated Press contributed to this article.