Trump Stands Firm Behind DHS Secretary Noem Amid Calls for Resignation Over Minneapolis Shootings
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — President Donald Trump has publicly reaffirmed his unwavering support for Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem amid mounting Democratic criticism and calls for her removal following a series of fatal shootings during immigration enforcement actions in the Minneapolis Twin Cities area. The incidents have sparked intense debate over the administration’s approach to immigration crackdowns and law enforcement tactics in the region.
In a statement to reporters on Tuesday, Trump praised Noem’s leadership, emphasizing the progress made securing the nation’s borders. “I think she’s doing a very good job,” the president said. “The border is totally secure. You forget, we had a border that I inherited where millions of people were coming through. Now, we have a border where no one is coming through.”
The president’s endorsement comes as Democrats, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, have vocally demanded Noem’s ouster, citing concerns over the handling of the recent operations that resulted in fatalities. Jeffries called for the DHS chief to be “put on ice permanently,” reflecting the deep partisan divide over immigration enforcement strategies.
A source close to Noem confirmed to Fox News Digital that Trump personally conveyed his support during a phone call before Thursday’s Cabinet meeting, reassuring her of his confidence in her stewardship of the Department of Homeland Security. DHS oversees critical agencies such as U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the U.S. Secret Service, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
The crackdown in Minneapolis was initiated amid a sweeping fraud scandal that has rocked Minnesota’s political landscape. Federal agents conducted the operations targeting illegal immigration networks, but the enforcement efforts quickly became controversial after two fatal shootings occurred during the raids. These events have intensified scrutiny on DHS policies and the administration’s broader immigration agenda.
Despite the backlash, the White House has maintained a consistent message of support. Officials argue that the enforcement actions are necessary to uphold the rule of law and protect national security. Trump’s decision to send former ICE acting director Tom Homan to Minnesota to oversee the situation was hailed internally as a strategic move to stabilize operations and restore order.
Critics, however, have raised alarms about the militarization of immigration enforcement and the potential for civil rights violations. Advocacy groups and some lawmakers have urged for greater oversight and transparency in DHS operations, warning that aggressive tactics could exacerbate tensions in already vulnerable communities.
The debate over Noem’s leadership and the administration’s immigration policies comes at a pivotal time as Congress grapples with funding for DHS and related agencies. Recent negotiations have been fraught, with lawmakers from both parties expressing concerns over sanctuary city policies, border security, and humanitarian considerations.
As the situation unfolds, the White House appears committed to standing behind Noem, framing her as a key figure in the administration’s efforts to secure the border and enforce immigration laws. The ongoing controversy highlights the complex and often contentious nature of immigration enforcement in the United States.
For more information on the Department of Homeland Security’s role and immigration enforcement policies, visit the official DHS website and the Immigration and Customs Enforcement portal. Updates on border security statistics and operations can be found at the U.S. Customs and Border Protection site.
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