House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) voiced strong criticisms of several members from the Trump administration’s Cabinet, particularly focusing on those whose departments have been in the spotlight lately.
During a press conference, he stated that, “Kristi Noem is completely, completely unqualified,” referring to the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Jeffries expressed disappointment that Senate Republicans confirmed her, saying, “It’s a shame she’s there. She should be removed from town as soon as possible.”
Left-leaning criticisms of Noem, DHS, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have escalated following an ICE-involved shooting in Minneapolis last week.
In that incident, an ICE agent shot and killed Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old American citizen, after she reportedly threatened them while they were conducting an enforcement action. Since then, there has been a partisan divide over each side’s actions during the confrontation.
Jeffries emphasized that, “Kristi Noem, the Department of Homeland Security, ICE, they’re completely out of control. And the American people want these extremists to be reined in.” He added that Good “should be alive today,” accusing both Noem and the ICE officer involved of showing a “depraved indifference to human life.”
A spokesperson from DHS responded, suggesting that Jeffries’ statement was reckless, particularly given the rise in assaults against ICE agents. They urged Jeffries to focus on protecting Americans rather than engaging in what they described as showmanship.
Footage from the incident shows Good’s vehicle coming into contact with the ICE agent before the shooting occurred, leading to speculation over whether her actions were an intentional threat or simply an attempt to escape.
Federal officials, including Noem, have defended the shooting as self-defense, claiming that Good was trying to disrupt ICE operations in cities governed by Democrats.
Democratic leaders, including Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, accused ICE and Republican officials of instigating fear and conflict in the city. They are urging a halt to current ICE operations.
Furthermore, congressional Democrats are threatening to withhold funding from DHS unless significant reforms are implemented, a point Jeffries touched on in his press conference.
He explained that the upcoming spending bill could take two paths: the Republicans could continue their approach to the Homeland Security bill, or, particularly after such a tragedy, “we need to put in place some common sense steps to ensure that ICE acts in a manner consistent with at least all other law enforcement agencies in the United States.”
The deadline to finalize federal funding to avert a partial government shutdown is January 30.
Fox News Digital reached out to DHS for further comments.
