Sen. John Fetterman called on President Donald Trump to remove Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem following deadly incidents tied to immigration enforcement operations in Minnesota.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., on Tuesday publicly urged President Donald Trump to immediately remove Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, citing her role in federal immigration enforcement actions in Minnesota that have drawn national scrutiny.
Fetterman issued the demand in a public post on X, directly appealing to Trump to dismiss Noem and warning the president against what he described as repeating “the mistake President Biden made” by retaining a Department of Homeland Security leader he labeled “grossly incompetent.” In his remarks, Fetterman referenced former DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and argued that continued leadership failures at DHS have coincided with loss of life during controversial federal operations.
The senator’s comments come amid heightened tensions following two deadly shootings involving federal agents in Minneapolis, including the killing of Alex Pretti. The incidents occurred during a large-scale federal enforcement effort that included the deployment of thousands of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Border Patrol, and other DHS personnel under what the agency has called “Operation Metro Surge,” which DHS has described as the largest immigration enforcement operation ever undertaken.
Fetterman’s call for Noem’s removal adds to mounting criticism from progressive lawmakers and activists, some of whom have demanded her resignation or impeachment, along with disciplinary action against certain Border Patrol leaders. The shootings sparked protests across Minnesota and in other parts of the country, intensifying debate over the scope and conduct of federal immigration enforcement.
Critics argue that Noem has overseen aggressive enforcement of federal immigration policies long opposed by Democrats and that operations in sanctuary jurisdictions have escalated tensions rather than reduced them. Supporters of the enforcement surge, including many Republicans in Congress and state-level GOP officials, contend that sanctuary policies undermine cooperation with federal authorities and place agents at greater risk, necessitating a strong federal response.
The controversy has created competing pressures for the White House. While Trump has publicly defended Noem and DHS efforts to arrest violent criminal aliens, some Republicans have expressed concern about the optics and outcomes of the Minneapolis operations and have called for independent investigations to assess tactics and accountability.
The administration has indicated it is reviewing DHS operations and priorities, signaling a possible recalibration with an emphasis on border security and the removal of individuals with serious criminal records.
Despite Fetterman’s public demand, Noem is expected to remain in her position for now, though her leadership faces increased scrutiny as the political and legal fallout from the Minnesota enforcement actions continues.