Republican Senators Call for Kristi Noem to Resign as DHS Pressure Mounts

In a rare public break from their party, Republican Senators Thom Tillis of North Carolina and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska have called for Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to resign, making them the first GOP lawmakers to openly demand her departure. Their comments mark a significant escalation in the political fallout surrounding recent immigration enforcement actions in Minnesota and place new pressure on the Trump administration ahead of a looming government funding deadline.

GOP Lawmakers Voice Sharp Criticism

Sen. Thom Tillis said he has lost confidence in Kristi Noem’s leadership, arguing that her conduct over the past year has failed to meet the standards expected of a Cabinet-level official. Murkowski echoed that sentiment, stating plainly that Noem should not continue to lead the Department of Homeland Security.

Both senators have previously shown a willingness to challenge party leadership, but their remarks stand out in a Republican conference that has largely defended the administration’s immigration agenda.

Deadly Incidents Fuel Political Backlash

The calls for resignation follow the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti during a federal immigration operation in Minneapolis, the second deadly incident involving federal officers in the city this month. Initial public statements from DHS leadership defending the officers were later called into question after video evidence emerged that appeared to contradict official accounts of the encounter.

While the White House has emphasized that investigations are ongoing, the episode has intensified scrutiny of DHS tactics and leadership. President Donald Trump has continued to express confidence in Kristi Noem, crediting her role in what he describes as successful border enforcement efforts.

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Party Divisions on Immigration Enforcement

Not all Republicans are aligned with Thom Tillis and Lisa Murkowski. Several GOP senators have said they still support Noem, while others have avoided commenting directly on her performance. Senate leadership has largely framed the issue as a decision for the president, underscoring the internal divisions within the party.

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Democrats, meanwhile, have unified around calls for accountability at DHS, with many arguing that leadership changes alone will not alter immigration policy without congressional reforms.

Funding Deadline Raises Stakes

The controversy comes as Congress faces a critical deadline to pass a major funding package or risk a partial government shutdown. Democrats have warned they will block the bill unless it includes stronger oversight and guardrails on immigration enforcement. Republicans, concerned about reopening negotiations, are scrambling to find a path forward before the clock runs out.

The DHS debate has become central to those talks, with some lawmakers floating the idea of renegotiating DHS funding separately—a move that could further complicate already tense negotiations.

Kristi Noem remains in office for now, backed by the president but facing growing bipartisan scrutiny. With oversight hearings expected in the coming weeks and funding negotiations entering a decisive phase, the pressure on DHS leadership is unlikely to ease.

Whether the Republican dissent signals a broader shift—or remains an isolated rebuke—could shape both the future of DHS leadership and the political trajectory of immigration policy in the months ahead.