Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem will appear before Senate lawmakers Tuesday to answer questions about the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration enforcement policies, as her department remains without full funding due to Democratic opposition.
The former South Dakota governor, who was selected by President Trump for the position last year, may also address concerns about potential security threats following recent U.S. military actions against Iran and allegations of internal dysfunction within her agency.
Under Noem’s leadership, the department has implemented Trump’s immigration priorities, which include sending thousands of masked federal officers into American cities to conduct neighborhood sweeps targeting suspected immigration violators, often resulting in confrontations with local residents.
Noem is set to appear before the Senate Judiciary Committee Tuesday, followed by testimony to the House Judiciary Committee Wednesday.
President Trump has maintained that large-scale deportation operations are necessary following what he describes as excessive illegal immigration during Joe Biden’s presidency, and he continues to support Noem’s performance in the role.
Noem has faced mounting criticism following incidents in Minneapolis this January where federal immigration officers fatally shot two American citizens. Rather than awaiting complete investigations, Noem immediately labeled the victims “domestic terrorists,” drawing condemnation from lawmakers in both parties as video footage later contradicted her characterizations of the incidents.
The Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency operates under Noem’s departmental oversight.
Congressional Democrats have blocked new appropriations for her department, demanding modifications to current immigration enforcement methods. Although funding expired last month for the agency employing 260,000 people, most immigration enforcement and national security functions continue as they are classified as essential services.
House Democrats initiated impeachment proceedings against Noem in January, alleging that immigration officers under her supervision have infringed upon American citizens’ civil liberties, that she has obstructed congressional oversight of migrant detention facilities, and that she awarded government contracts to Republican-connected companies and individuals tied to her personal associates.
The impeachment initiative faces slim chances of success given Republican control of the House.
Noem’s testimony may also address questions regarding her senior advisor, longtime Trump associate Corey Lewandowski.
Reuters reported last week, based on source accounts, that Lewandowski inappropriately entered a government aircraft cockpit uninvited during a flight last year, subsequently dismissing the pilot over a misplaced blanket belonging to Noem. While Lewandowski disputed the accuracy of these source accounts, he declined to address specific aspects of the incident.
Trump’s immigration stance, previously considered a political asset, may now present challenges for Republicans seeking to maintain congressional majorities in November’s midterm elections. A February Reuters/Ipsos survey revealed that although most Americans support removing immigrants lacking legal status, approximately 60% believe immigration enforcement has become excessive.
