Kristi Noem set to face senators over DHS shutdown, immigration enforcement

"Let me be clear, one death is too many. But officers should never be threatened or harmed while enforcing our laws. And there is a clear difference between the conduct protected by the First Amendment and unlawful obstruction. From my perspective, I believe immigration enforcement and dignity aren't mutually exclusive."

"The Department of Homeland Security has been shut down for nearly a month after lawmakers failed to negotiate a budget deal to fund the agency and agree on changes to how immigration officers operate. Noem is expected to tell lawmakers on the Senate Judiciary Committee how the shutdown is affecting regular Americans, including making air travel more difficult as employees with the Transportation Security Administration work without pay."

"Republicans called for the hearing just days after CBP officers shot and killed 37-year-old Alex Pretti in Minneapolis in January. Pretti was the second U.S. citizen killed by federal immigration officers in the city after Renee Macklin Good's death at the hands of an ICE officer earlier in the month."

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is testifying before the Senate Judiciary Committee as the Department of Homeland Security faces a nearly month-long shutdown due to failed budget negotiations. The shutdown has disrupted operations across multiple agencies, including the Transportation Security Administration, leaving employees working without pay and affecting air travel. The hearing focuses on Noem's implementation of President Trump's mass deportation efforts and recent controversial incidents involving federal immigration officers. Two U.S. citizens have been killed by federal immigration officers in Minneapolis in January—Alex Pretti by CBP officers and Renee Macklin Good by an ICE officer. Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley emphasized that while one death is too many, officers should be protected from threats and harm, and distinguished between constitutionally protected activities like filming and unlawful obstruction.

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