Top Democrats press Kristi Noem to step down at tense Homeland Security Committee hearing

WASHINGTON, DC: A House Homeland Security Committee hearing on 'Worldwide Threats to the Homeland' opened Thursday, December 11, with Rep Bennie Thompson, D-Miss, calling on Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to resign.

Thompson accused Noem of weakening the department and violating federal law, prompting immediate tension inside the committee room.

The hearing was further disrupted when protesters shouted against US Immigration and Customs Enforcement before being removed by Capitol Police.

Noem, joined by senior national security officials, defended the administration's actions and her leadership. 

Bennie Thompson calls for Kristi Noem's resignation

Thompson used his opening remarks to sharply criticize Noem, saying, "You have systematically dismantled the Department of Homeland Security, put your own interests above the department, and violated the law. You are making America less safe."

He then urged her to step down, saying, "So rather than sitting here and wasting your time and ours with more corruption, lies and lawlessness, I call on you to resign. Do a real service to the country and just resign. That is, if President Trump doesn't fire you first."

As Noem began her prepared testimony, protestors interrupted the session, shouting, "Get ICE off our streets." They were then removed and detained outside the room. 

Noem said that one of her grandchildren in attendance became upset during the exchange. "I don't think she agreed with him," Noem said.

She went on to outline the administration's priorities, saying that the DHS is "eradicating transnational organized crime," working to curb psychoactive supplements tra****king, ending illegal immigration and defending critical infrastructure from cyber threats. 

She warned that upcoming major events, including the 2026 World Cup and the nation's 250th anniversary, pose increased security risks and said that the DHS is preparing accordingly. 

Rumors had circulated that President Trump was considering replacing Noem, but he dismissed them on Wednesday, saying that she had been "fantastic."

Noem also denied the reports, saying she remains committed to serving "at his pleasure."

Immigration actions scrutinized as lawmakers press Kristi Noem

During the hearing, Rep Seth Magaziner, D-RI, confronted Noem over the deportation of a US military veteran earlier this year.

Noem replied, "Sir, we have not deported US citizens or military veterans." Magaziner then displayed an Army veteran appearing via Zoom, saying that the administration removed him to South Korea despite him not having lived there since age seven. 

Noem said she is "grateful for every person that has served our country," and added that immigration laws must be enforced. When asked if she would review the veteran's case, she replied that she would. 

Rep Shri Thanedar also confronted Noem, saying that he was "sick of what he characterized as her inaccuracies and pressed her to resign. 

Noem pushed back, saying "I will consider your asking me to resign as an endorsement of my work.