By Blessing Nweke
Republican Sens. Thom Tillis and Lisa Murkowski on Tuesday publicly urged Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to step down, marking the first time sitting GOP lawmakers in Congress have called for her resignation. Tillis, R-N.C., told reporters on Capitol Hill he has “no confidence” in Noem’s leadership, criticizing her handling of recent events as “unacceptable” for a Cabinet secretary. Murkowski, R-Alaska, echoed that sentiment, saying “it’s probably time for her to step down.”
The comments come amid intense national scrutiny following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old Minneapolis ICU nurse, by federal immigration enforcement agents during a Minneapolis operation last weekend. Pretti’s death, the second killing by federal officers in the city this month, has ignited protests and condemnation from community leaders, lawmakers, and rights groups. Video and witness accounts have raised questions about law enforcement’s account of the incident and the use of force, leading to broader criticisms of DHS oversight.
Democrats have widely called for Noem’s removal, and Republican senators breaking ranks reflect growing bipartisan unease over the department’s actions. Tillis, who is retiring from the Senate and not seeking re-election in 2026, described Noem’s performance as lacking judgment and said either she or President Trump must decide her future.
President Trump, however, affirmed his support for Noem in a Fox News interview earlier Tuesday, calling her border work “a tremendous success.” Despite mounting criticism, the White House has indicated Noem’s position is secure for now.
A DHS spokesperson did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the senators’ calls for resignation. Investigations into the Minneapolis shootings and federal enforcement practices continue to unfold on multiple fronts.
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