58% of voters want DHS Secretary Kristi Noem removed, poll finds

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA: A new Quinnipiac University poll indicates that most voters support the removal of Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem following fatal encounters involving federal agents in Minneapolis.

The survey, conducted between January 29 and February 2, found that 58 percent of respondents believe Noem should be removed from her post, while just 34 percent support her remaining in office. Public confidence in the administration’s account of the incidents is low, with 61 percent of respondents saying they do not believe the official narrative regarding the recent shooting of Alex Pretti.

Public mandate for leadership change at DHS

Polling analyst Tim Malloy described the results as “a strong no confidence vote for the beleaguered top cop at Homeland Security whose agency’s performance is considered dismal enough by voters that she should be let go.”

The poll comes as Congress members, particularly Democrats, have increased pressure on the administration to replace Noem. She is currently overseeing the largest DHS immigration crackdown in Minnesota, involving more than 2,000 agents, a move that has intensified scrutiny of her leadership. 

Controversy surrounding fatal Minneapolis shootings

Public dissatisfaction has been fueled by two fatal incidents in Minneapolis. In December, 37-year-old intensive care nurse Alex Pretti was killed by ICE agents after reportedly trying to assist a woman pushed to the ground by officers. Eyewitnesses and video footage suggest Pretti was shoved and shot multiple times.

Shortly before this, 37-year-old Renee Good died following a confrontation with ICE agents on a residential street. The poll shows that 62 percent of respondents viewed Pretti’s death as “not justified,” highlighting the public’s disapproval of the agency’s enforcement methods.

Political pressure and demands for reform

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has threatened impeachment proceedings if Noem is not dismissed. In a letter to the White House, he said, “The violence unleashed on the American people by the Department of Homeland Security must end forthwith,” adding that lawmakers are considering broader reforms. 

Proposed changes include stricter judicial warrant requirements, a universal code of conduct for federal officers, and a ban on masks for immigration agents to ensure proper identification.

The poll underscores growing public scrutiny of DHS leadership and intensifies calls for accountability and systemic reform within the agency.