Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to Testify Before Congress
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is set to appear before the House Judiciary Committee next month, marking her second appearance before Congress amid heightened scrutiny of the Trump administration’s aggressive deportation policies.
Noem’s testimony is scheduled for March 4, according to Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), who shared this information in a brief chat with Fox News Digital.
Jordan indicated that Noem’s appearance is part of the committee’s ongoing oversight of Cabinet members, clarifying that it’s unrelated to recent policy discussions by the Democratic committee. They have called for her testimony to address concerns related to two high-profile incidents in Minnesota where American citizens were killed during immigration operations.
Focus on Sanctuary Policies
Both incidents are currently under FBI investigation, but some Democrats, notably Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), have accused Noem of making untimely statements that they say cover up potential misdeeds within the department.
During the upcoming hearing, Jordan plans to address the issue of sanctuary cities and states, which often implement policies limiting cooperation with federal immigration authorities when it comes to individuals in local custody.
Jordan raised what he believes are significant questions about these policies. He expressed concern, saying, “There’s a guy in your prison who did something bad. That’s why he’s in prison. And, oh, he happens to be in the U.S. illegally, and you’re not going to work with ICE. … I think most people would find that just unreasonable,” emphasizing the need for focused discussion on this issue.
Noem is also slated to appear before the Senate Judiciary Committee the day prior, on March 3. This comes amidst a wave of lawsuits against the Department of Homeland Security concerning the arrest and detention of suspected undocumented immigrants.
Additionally, Noem faced backlash for her comments labeling the two victims of the Minnesota incident as “domestic terrorists” before the investigation concluded. This sparked criticism even from some within her own party. In response, President Trump shifted Minnesota’s immigration operations and replaced its leader, bringing in border czar Tom Homan to oversee efforts.
Noem Acknowledges Need for Improvement
Noem acknowledged that the Department of Homeland Security “can always do better” when probed about past agency errors before Homan’s involvement.
Federal officials continue to look into whether the use of lethal force by agents in the two events was justified.
Recently, President Trump took to Truth Social to defend Noem, claiming “radical left lunatics” are attacking her “because she’s a woman and she did a really great job!”
