Democrats Investigate Kristi Noem Amid Resignation Demands

Democratic lawmakers have launched an investigation into Kristi Noem, the Secretary of Homeland Security, following the controversial shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. As calls for Noem’s resignation intensify, she met with Donald Trump and top aide Corey Lewandowski in the Oval Office on January 26, 2026, to discuss the fallout from the incident.

The meeting lasted two hours and occurred after Trump dispatched Border Czar Tom Homan to Minneapolis, signaling a significant shift in the administration’s approach to immigration enforcement in the wake of Pretti’s death. Homan’s appointment came alongside the removal of Border Patrol commander Greg Bovino, who has been a loyal supporter of Noem.

Democratic Response and Impeachment Resolution

Following the shooting, in which Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, was killed by federal agents, House Democrats have taken a strong stance against Noem. They have introduced an impeachment resolution that has garnered support from 145 out of 213 members of their party. The resolution accuses Noem of self-dealing, obstructing Congress, and violating public trust.

Noem’s controversial remarks, labeling Pretti a “domestic terrorist,” have attracted criticism, even from Trump, who expressed his disapproval of any shooting and distanced himself from her characterization during a recent interview with the Wall Street Journal. Karoline Leavitt, White House Press Secretary, reiterated this sentiment, stating she had not heard the president refer to Pretti in such terms.

A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) dismissed the impeachment efforts as “silly,” urging Democrats to concentrate on crime issues within their own districts. Concurrently, Senate Democrats, including Elizabeth Warren, are calling for Noem’s resignation and have initiated their own investigation into her actions at DHS.

Internal Conflicts and Future Testimony

The internal dynamics within the Trump administration regarding immigration policy have become increasingly contentious. Homan and his allies, including Todd Lyons, acting ICE Director, are advocating for a more aggressive approach focusing on tracking down convicted criminals who are in the U.S. illegally. In contrast, Noem has promoted broader deportation efforts, aiming to achieve Trump’s target of up to 1,500 deportations per day. This approach has reportedly frustrated Homan, who perceives Noem as overly political.

Noem is scheduled to testify before the Senate on March 3, 2026, as part of routine oversight regarding DHS operations. Her position within the administration is under scrutiny as the investigation unfolds. The political landscape is shifting, with increasing pressure on Noem from both her party and the Democrats, highlighting the complexities of immigration policy in the current administration.

As tensions rise and investigations progress, the implications for Noem’s leadership and the future of immigration policy under the Trump administration remain unclear. The situation in Minneapolis and the scrutiny of Noem’s actions will likely continue to evolve in the coming weeks.