Calls for Resignation of Homeland Security Secretary
Governor Cathy Hochul expressed her demand for the resignation, termination, or impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Border Patrol Chief Greg Bovino on Sunday.
During a press conference, Hochul emphasized that Noem should step down following a tragic incident where federal agents shot protesters during an immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis.
“Kristi Noem has lost her credibility as a leader, and I urge her to resign or otherwise be dismissed. [President] Donald Trump, please act responsibly and remove her,” Hochul stated to reporters in Albany.
She further insisted that if Noem doesn’t resign, she should face removal or impeachment.
In her remarks, Hochul hinted at potential legal actions against Trump, Noem, and Bovino regarding federal immigration practices.
“It’s unfortunate that this has to be said in America, but no one is above the law,” the governor remarked. She added, “This applies to ICE agents, federal employees, and even the President.”
Hochul also mentioned that if officials from the Trump administration lose their positions, “New York will seek to hold them accountable.”
She indicated that updates on any forthcoming actions from New York State would be available in the coming days.
Responses from Hochul’s office, the Department of Homeland Security, Border Patrol, and the White House went unanswered by The Post.
The urgency of Hochul’s comments follows a recent incident in which federal agents fatally shot Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, during a protest against ICE in Minnesota, igniting backlash from Democratic leaders.
Footage from onlookers recorded Pretti’s death, leading to protests in the Twin Cities and strong disapproval from governors, lawmakers, and civil rights organizations who condemned the excessive use of force.
This incident marked the second such shooting of a U.S. citizen by federal immigration agents in the area, occurring shortly after the death of Renee Nicole Good, who was also killed by ICE agents during a broad enforcement operation.
Federal authorities contended that Good’s shooting was justified, framing it as an act of self-defense, stating she had committed “domestic terrorism.” Noem claimed Good “attempted to run over a law enforcement officer” and characterized her vehicle actions as threatening, a viewpoint supported by Trump and other officials.
On the other hand, federal officials maintained that Pretti’s shooting was a necessary response to a significant threat, alleging that armed protesters were “violently resisting” during the enforcement operation.
Bovino emphasized that Pretti was a substantial danger, citing him approaching officers with a firearm. He applauded investigators for intervening before further harm could occur.
Noem disputed the notion that Pretti was merely protesting peacefully, indicating he arrived “with a gun and ammunition,” while Trump and advisors labeled him as a “shooter” and “domestic terrorist.”
Ultimately, federal officials argued that the officers were compelled to act as they did, standing by their training protocols to ensure their safety during tense operations in Minneapolis.
