Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin has called for Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to resign, citing her leadership's role in the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis during immigration operations.
Slotkin delivered a scathing speech on the Senate floor, criticizing Noem for labeling one of the shooting victims as a "domestic terrorist" rather than immediately placing the involved DHS officers on administrative leave. Slotkin argues that this characterization is not consistent with the values she claimed to uphold and has "done nothing to defend those values."
The senator also criticized White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, describing both officials as "boat anchors" around President Trump's neck and saying they should face consequences through resignation, firing, or impeachment.
Slotkin's opposition to Noem is driven by Michigan's border role and the upcoming opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge. However, Slotkin said her reaction to the Minneapolis incidents exposed a misreading of the justice system, stating that if you're a cabinet-level secretary and you jump to characterizing someone as a terrorist without understanding the system, "you don't understand our system."
Senate Democrats are demanding reforms at DHS, including an enforceable code of conduct for federal agents conducting immigration arrests and requirements that they identify themselves to the public. The demands also include ending "roving patrols" in cities, coordinating with local law enforcement on immigration arrests, and establishing clear protocols for federal operations in communities.
However, the White House has resisted decoupling DHS funding from the larger spending legislation, arguing that it would compromise government funding for FEMA and other programs. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said he sees possibilities for avoiding a government shutdown by week's end but acknowledged that negotiations are ongoing.
The funding crisis highlights tensions over immigration enforcement tactics since Trump returned to office. Democrats argue that federal agents must follow the same accountability standards as state and local police, while Republicans defend aggressive enforcement as necessary for border security.
With a Saturday deadline approaching, Senate negotiators face pressure to find compromise language addressing Democratic concerns about DHS operations while maintaining government funding. The outcome is uncertain, with Slotkin's call for Noem's resignation echoing through the halls of Congress.
Slotkin delivered a scathing speech on the Senate floor, criticizing Noem for labeling one of the shooting victims as a "domestic terrorist" rather than immediately placing the involved DHS officers on administrative leave. Slotkin argues that this characterization is not consistent with the values she claimed to uphold and has "done nothing to defend those values."
The senator also criticized White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, describing both officials as "boat anchors" around President Trump's neck and saying they should face consequences through resignation, firing, or impeachment.
Slotkin's opposition to Noem is driven by Michigan's border role and the upcoming opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge. However, Slotkin said her reaction to the Minneapolis incidents exposed a misreading of the justice system, stating that if you're a cabinet-level secretary and you jump to characterizing someone as a terrorist without understanding the system, "you don't understand our system."
Senate Democrats are demanding reforms at DHS, including an enforceable code of conduct for federal agents conducting immigration arrests and requirements that they identify themselves to the public. The demands also include ending "roving patrols" in cities, coordinating with local law enforcement on immigration arrests, and establishing clear protocols for federal operations in communities.
However, the White House has resisted decoupling DHS funding from the larger spending legislation, arguing that it would compromise government funding for FEMA and other programs. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said he sees possibilities for avoiding a government shutdown by week's end but acknowledged that negotiations are ongoing.
The funding crisis highlights tensions over immigration enforcement tactics since Trump returned to office. Democrats argue that federal agents must follow the same accountability standards as state and local police, while Republicans defend aggressive enforcement as necessary for border security.
With a Saturday deadline approaching, Senate negotiators face pressure to find compromise language addressing Democratic concerns about DHS operations while maintaining government funding. The outcome is uncertain, with Slotkin's call for Noem's resignation echoing through the halls of Congress.
This whole thing is just crazy. I mean, come on, Kristi Noem labeling one of those guys a "domestic terrorist" without even knowing what happened? That's not leadership, that's just reckless. And now Slotkin is calling for her resignation? I get it, she messed up big time. But is this really about Noem or is it about the whole DHS agenda? 
It's like, what happened to "us versus them" rhetoric when politicians are debating? Can't we find some middle ground here? 
This whole situation is just so... dramatic. 
Can we please just have some civil discourse here? 
The fact that Noem labeled the victim as a "domestic terrorist" and didn't immediately take action against her own people is just textbook negligence. And now she's playing dumb saying she doesn't understand the justice system? Give me a break, Noem has been in this role for years and still can't get it right. 
It's all about politics as usual, if you ask me. The White House is just stalling because they don't want to give up control over DHS funding... and honestly, who can blame them? 
The Democrats are being reasonable asking for reforms, but I'm sure that'll get lost in the shuffle. 
But is it really? We don't have all the deets, and Slotkin's just making an accusation here. Did she even fact-check before going off on Noem? 
I need some more info on this before I can get all worked up about it 
And what's the harm in having some debate around immigration enforcement tactics? It feels like we're not even close to finding common ground 
. I mean, I get why she's upset, but labeling someone a "domestic terrorist" is just not right, you know? It sounds like it could lead to some major backlash. And now the White House is pushing back against any reforms at DHS, which is just weird 
. I'm all for getting that code of conduct in place and making sure those agents are held accountable, but this whole thing feels like a big mess right now 
. Like, come on Kristi Noem, that 'domestic terrorist' label is low-key crazy talk 
. I mean, if you're gonna criticize someone, do it with facts, not some wild-ass character assassination. It's like, no wonder the victims got killed in the first place... all this drama 
. And can we pls just get rid of these 'roving patrols' already? Like, when are they gonna show up at your door unannounced and ask who you are? 
Not cool. I hope Slotkin's call sparks some real change, but I gotta say, it's about time someone called out Noem on her BS 
. Like seriously, who labels someone a domestic terrorist just because they're involved in an immigration operation? That's not how we do things here in the States, Kristi! 