Senator Thom Tillis, a Republican, shocks conservatives by demanding DHS Secretary Kristi Noem resign over “amateurish” handling of fatal shootings that undermine President Trump’s vital immigration crackdown.
Story Snapshot
- Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) becomes the first GOP senator to call Noem “incompetent” and demand her resignation after two fatal Minneapolis shootings by federal agents.
- Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) joins Tillis in calling for Noem to “go,” marking a rare GOP break from Trump loyalty.
- Noem prematurely labeled U.S. citizen Alex Pretti a “domestic terrorist,” drawing bipartisan backlash and fueling Democrat impeachment threats.
- President Trump staunchly defends Noem, rejecting calls for her ouster amid Democrat funding block threats before the Friday shutdown deadline.
Fatal Shootings Spark Crisis
Early January 2026 saw an ICE officer fatally shoot Renée Good in Minneapolis. On the weekend before January 27, Border Patrol agents killed Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old U.S. citizen and ICU nurse. Pretti recorded immigration operations in the sanctuary city when agents sprayed irritant, pushed, beat, and shot him.
These incidents occurred during President Trump’s aggressive deportation push in sanctuary cities, overseen by border czar Tom Homan. Families and communities demand answers on federal tactics.
Noem’s Response Ignites GOP Dissent
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and advisor Stephen Miller rushed to label Pretti a “domestic terrorist” and “would-be assassin” before incident reports. This unsubstantiated claim drew fire from Sen. Thom Tillis, who on January 28 called Noem’s leadership “amateur hour” and “disqualifying.”
Tillis argued her actions make Trump “look bad” on immigration victories. Sen. Lisa Murkowski echoed, saying Noem “should go” and lacks fitness for DHS. Such GOP criticism threatens party unity on border security.
Democrats Seize on Division
House Democrats, led by Rep. Robin Kelly, introduced impeachment articles against Noem on January 14, gaining over 140 co-sponsors. Leaders Hakeem Jeffries and Chuck Schumer issued ultimatums: fire Noem or face impeachment and DHS funding blocks before Friday’s deadline. Schumer branded her “incompetent” and a “liar.”
Republicans control Congress, making impeachment unlikely without GOP votes. Still, threats risk a partial shutdown, disrupting vital enforcement operations.
Noem met White House officials on January 27 to address the shootings. She retains her post despite pressure.
Tillis becomes first GOP senator to call for "incompetent" Noem to step downhttps://t.co/DsQfz7ksTB
— Kathryn Watson (@kathrynw5) January 28, 2026
Trump Stands Firm Amid Internal Pushback
President Trump defended Noem, stating she does a “very good job” and the border remains “totally secure.” He rejected resignation calls outright. Sen. Lindsey Graham backed Noem and Miller, praising their loyalty to Trump’s agenda.
Trump noted Pretti carried a gun, prioritizing the enforcement narrative over the rhetoric fallout. White House accused Democrats of ignoring “criminal illegal aliens.” This loyalty test highlights tensions between operational wins and messaging mishaps.
Tillis and Murkowski aim to refocus on immigration successes by ousting Noem, protecting GOP midterm messaging. Short-term risks include oversight probes and funding fights. Long-term, sustained Trump support bolsters Noem, but more defections could erode her position. Minneapolis residents face ongoing operations amid protests. DHS scrutiny intensifies on training and use-of-force amid mass deportations.
Sources:
Democrats threaten impeachment as two GOP senators call on Noem to resign
