A Republican senator has broken ranks with President Trump to demand the resignation of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, exposing deep fractures within the GOP over fatal federal law enforcement operations that left an American citizen dead.
Story Snapshot
- Senator Thom Tillis becomes the first GOP senator to publicly call for Noem’s resignation, citing “amateurish” leadership
- Democrats threaten impeachment and government shutdown if Noem remains in position following fatal Border Patrol shooting
- Secretary Noem and advisor Stephen Miller labeled the deceased American citizen a “domestic terrorist” before reviewing the incident report
- Trump maintains confidence in Noem despite bipartisan pressure mounting from both parties
Republican Senator Breaks Ranks Over Fatal Shooting
Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina became the first Republican senator to publicly demand Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s resignation on January 28, 2026. Tillis declared he had “no confidence” in Noem’s leadership following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse killed by Border Patrol agents in Minneapolis.
Tillis characterized Noem’s decision-making as “amateur hour at its worst,” specifically criticizing her rush to label Pretti a “domestic terrorist” before reviewing any incident reports. Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski joined Tillis, making this a rare bipartisan rebuke of a Trump cabinet member.
Troubling Details Emerge from Minneapolis Incident
Alex Pretti was recording federal immigration enforcement operations when Border Patrol agents confronted him. According to reports, Pretti appeared to be attempting to assist a woman agents had knocked down when he was sprayed with an irritant, pushed to the ground, beaten, and ultimately shot.
The troubling sequence of events raises serious questions about the appropriate use of force by federal agents against American citizens. This wasn’t an isolated incident—another American, Renée Good, was killed by an ICE officer shortly before Pretti’s death, suggesting a pattern of excessive force within DHS operations under Noem’s leadership.
Operational Failures Extend Beyond Border Patrol
Tillis identified multiple failures across Noem’s DHS tenure beyond the Minneapolis shooting. He noted Noem’s mismanagement of FEMA, pointing out she previously advocated eliminating the agency entirely and fired a FEMA director within 24 hours simply for disagreeing with her approach.
Tillis stated he could not identify “any point of pride” in Noem’s tenure as secretary. The senator emphasized that Trump’s core campaign message on border security has been “destroyed” by poor execution under Noem’s leadership.
These operational failures undermine conservative priorities and damage public confidence in federal law enforcement agencies that should protect Americans, not endanger them.
Tillis becomes first GOP senator to call for "incompetent" Noem to step downhttps://t.co/DsQfz7ksTB
— Kathryn Watson (@kathrynw5) January 28, 2026
Democrats Escalate With Impeachment Threat
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries issued an ultimatum demanding Trump fire Noem immediately or face impeachment proceedings. Over 140 House Democrats have signed onto articles of impeachment introduced by Illinois Representative Robin Kelly on January 14.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called Noem “a liar,” “vicious,” and “incompetent,” threatening to block government funding packages that include DHS funding ahead of Friday’s shutdown deadline.
While Democrats’ political motivations are transparent, their concerns about operational competence align with Republican critics like Tillis. The impeachment threat creates unnecessary political theater when legitimate management failures warrant attention.
Trump Stands Firm Despite Growing Pressure
President Trump has resisted all calls for Noem’s removal, expressing continued confidence in her leadership despite mounting bipartisan criticism. Trump’s loyalty to cabinet members is commendable, but the facts surrounding Noem’s tenure raise legitimate concerns about operational effectiveness.
Senator Lindsey Graham defended both Noem and advisor Stephen Miller, pushing back against Tillis’s characterization of their performance.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune called for a “full and impartial investigation” into the Minneapolis incident rather than demanding immediate resignation. This measured approach allows facts to emerge while maintaining accountability standards conservatives have long championed for government officials.
Conservative Principles Demand Accountability
The Noem controversy exposes a fundamental tension between loyalty and accountability within conservative governance. Border security remains a critical priority for Americans who elected Trump to restore order and competence to federal operations. However, labeling an American citizen a “terrorist” before reviewing facts contradicts constitutional principles conservatives hold sacred.
Federal agents killing Americans during immigration enforcement operations undermines the rule of law and proper use of government authority. When Republican senators like Tillis identify management failures this severe, conservatives must demand the same accountability standards they apply to Democratic administrations.
Effective governance requires competent leadership that advances conservative priorities without trampling citizens’ rights or squandering political capital through operational incompetence.
Sources:
Democrats Threaten Impeachment as Two GOP Senators Call on Noem to Resign
