Democrats have initiated an investigation into Kristi Noem, the Secretary of Homeland Security, following calls for her resignation after the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. During a two-hour meeting at the White House on January 26, 2026, Noem met with former President Donald Trump and aide Corey Lewandowski to discuss the situation, which has drawn significant political backlash.
The meeting took place amid unrest in Minneapolis, where federal agents were involved in the shooting of Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care unit nurse. The incident also follows the recent shooting of another Minneapolis resident, Renee Good. Trump sent Border Czar Tom Homan to oversee operations in the city, a move that reflects a shift in strategy regarding immigration enforcement.
Noem’s comments regarding Pretti, whom she referred to as a “domestic terrorist,” have sparked controversy. Trump appeared to distance himself from her remarks, indicating his disapproval. In a statement to the Wall Street Journal, Trump expressed his distaste for any shooting, emphasizing that he does not support such violence. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified that the President had not labeled Pretti in that manner.
As the political fallout escalates, House Democrats have co-sponsored an impeachment resolution against Noem, with 145 out of 213 members of the party backing the measure. The resolution accuses Noem of self-dealing, obstructing Congress, and violating public trust. A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security dismissed these efforts as “silly,” suggesting that Democrats should focus on addressing crime issues in their districts.
The investigation into Noem’s conduct at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is set to proceed without Republican support, as reported by The Washington Post. Senator Elizabeth Warren has publicly called for her impeachment and resignation, while Republican Senator Rand Paul has requested testimony from top immigration officials at a hearing scheduled for February 12, 2026.
In addition to the ongoing scrutiny, Noem is scheduled to testify before the Senate on March 3, 2026, as part of regular oversight procedures. The context of these developments reveals a growing power struggle within the Trump administration regarding immigration enforcement, particularly in light of the recent shootings and ensuing protests.
Noem’s relationship with the White House appears to be under strain, particularly after the dismissal of Border Patrol commander Greg Bovino. Bovino, a loyal supporter of Noem, had been locked out of his government social media accounts, signaling a shift in control within the agency. Homan’s appointment to oversee operations in Minneapolis underscores the administration’s pivot toward a more aggressive enforcement strategy.
Sources indicate that Homan and his team, including Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons, are at odds with Noem over immigration strategies. Homan advocates for a focused approach aimed at removing convicted criminals and individuals with final deportation orders, whereas Noem has pushed for broader deportation efforts to increase daily removal statistics.
Despite the mounting pressure, Noem has publicly acknowledged her collaboration with Homan, referring to him as a “major asset” in the Department’s efforts to combat fraud and enhance public safety in Minneapolis. In a social media post, she expressed gratitude for Homan’s experience, suggesting it would be beneficial for ongoing investigations and enforcement actions.
The situation remains fluid, with both parties closely monitoring developments as Noem navigates the political fallout from the Minneapolis shooting and the subsequent calls for accountability. The implications of these events could significantly impact the political landscape as the investigation unfolds.
