Senators Call for DHS Secretary’s Resignation After Shootings

Two Republican senators are urging Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem to resign following two tragic shootings during DHS immigration operations in Minnesota.

Sens. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) have voiced their criticisms of Noem, breaking ranks with their party to call for her removal by President Trump. They align with several Senate Democrats who are pushing for accountability after the deaths of Alex Preti and Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis.

Interestingly, as they pursue this accountability, they seem to be complicating matters by threatening a government shutdown over a DHS funding bill.

Senate Dynamics in DHS Funding Discussions

Murkowski, who previously voted to confirm Noem, expressed her disappointment, stating, “I think the president needs to consider who he puts as Secretary of Homeland Security. I will never support her again, and I think it’s probably time for her to step down.”

Despite the growing criticism, President Trump chimed in on Tuesday, asserting that Noem is “doing a very good job” and dismissed the idea of her resignation.

Strong Criticism from Tillis

Tillis has been particularly harsh, not only directing his ire at Noem but also implicating White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller. He argued that these officials are hindering Trump’s ability to make meaningful changes to immigration policy.

“I don’t know if it’s still a loss, but if it’s a lost opportunity, I put it squarely on the shoulders of people like Noem and Stephen Miller,” he stated, detailing a scenario where they prematurely labeled the deceased a terrorist.

Murkowski on Responsibility

In discussing Noem’s approach, Murkowski stated that the Pentagon chief has the responsibility to handle such sensitive topics within her purview and has failed to do so. She emphasized that accountability should reach the highest levels of leadership.

“I think you have a secretary now, and that person has to take responsibility for the chaos and some of the tragedies that we’ve seen,” Murkowski asserted.

Calls for Noem’s Departure

When it comes to her removal, Tillis didn’t hesitate: “100%,” he said, though he refrained from discussing impeachment. “I’m not going to participate in the impeachment,” he clarified, suggesting it should be a management decision for Noem to leave.

Amid all this turmoil, Fox News Digital has reached out to DHS for comments.