Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is facing mounting political and public scrutiny following the fatal shooting of ICU nurse Alex Pretti during a federal enforcement operation in Minneapolis, an incident that has intensified debate over immigration policy, federal authority and accountability within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Democratic lawmakers, civil rights advocates and federal employee unions have called for Noem’s resignation or impeachment, accusing her of misrepresenting key facts surrounding the shooting and failing to exercise adequate oversight of immigration enforcement operations. The incident has sparked sustained protests in Minneapolis and drawn national attention to DHS tactics under the Trump administration.

At the center of the controversy is Operation Metro Surge, a large-scale federal immigration initiative that deployed ICE and Border Patrol agents across Minneapolis. The operation was overseen locally by senior Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino, who is now set to leave the city following weeks of unrest. Bovino’s departure has done little to quell criticism, with opponents arguing that responsibility ultimately lies with DHS leadership.

Noem has been criticized for publicly characterizing Pretti as a potential security threat in the immediate aftermath of the shooting — claims that were later challenged by local officials, family members and union representatives. The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), which represents thousands of federal workers, accused Noem of smearing a slain government employee and formally demanded her resignation.

Calls for accountability have intensified on Capitol Hill. House Democratic leaders have signaled that impeachment proceedings could follow if Noem is not removed, citing concerns about transparency, alleged misinformation, and DHS’s refusal to fully cooperate with congressional inquiries. Several governors and senior Democrats have echoed these demands, arguing that the episode reflects broader systemic failures within DHS.

Internally, reports indicate that Noem is under review within the administration, with sources suggesting potential changes to her operational role. The White House has publicly distanced President Donald Trump from some of Noem’s statements, while confirming that former acting ICE director Tom Homan has been dispatched to Minneapolis to oversee federal operations and stabilize the situation.

Despite the pressure, Noem has defended DHS actions, stating that federal agents were operating within the law and emphasizing the administration’s commitment to aggressive immigration enforcement. DHS has said investigations into the shooting are ongoing, though critics argue that trust has already been eroded.

The Minneapolis case has become a flashpoint in the national immigration debate, raising questions about the limits of federal authority, the use of force, and the political cost of hardline enforcement strategies. As protests continue and investigations unfold, Noem’s future as Homeland Security secretary remains increasingly uncertain.

SOURCES: The Guardian, CBS News, Time Magazine, Axios, Washington Post, AFGE, ABC News