Amid Minneapolis Unrest, DHS Secretary Noem Defends Agency's Record as Border Czar Deploys
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem faced pointed questions Sunday regarding her department's preparedness and recent decisions, just as former Acting ICE Director Tom Homan arrived in Minneapolis to lead federal operations there. The deployment follows nights of intense protests and clashes between anti-ICE demonstrators and federal agents, which have left two civilians dead and ignited a fierce political debate over immigration enforcement tactics.
Appearing on Fox & Friends Weekend, Noem acknowledged room for improvement while staunchly defending DHS's mission. "We can always do better, and we learn from every situation," Noem stated. "What we're seeing in Minneapolis is a very organized, well-funded campaign of violent protests against our law enforcement officers. Our strategy, as outlined by the President, is to protect people, protect federal buildings, and ensure the American people are safe by continuing to pursue violent criminals involved in drug and human trafficking."
Homan's deployment, ordered by President Trump, signals a federal doubling-down in Minnesota. After meeting with state Attorney General Keith Ellison, Homan pledged to remain on the ground "until the problem is gone," directly overseeing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities. This move has further polarized an already tense situation, with local officials accusing the federal government of escalating conflicts.
The political fallout is intensifying in Washington. House Democrats, led by voices like Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, have amplified calls for Noem's removal, criticizing the agency's approach and threatening to block related funding. "The department cannot be a blunt instrument; it must uphold justice without exacerbating community tensions," a Democratic aide familiar with the discussions told Fox News.
Despite the criticism, Noem expressed resolve. "This job is an honor... The days you don't hear about us are the days we were successful, because it means we stopped threats before they could devastate families," she said Sunday. President Trump has offered unwavering support, recently telling reporters, "I think she's doing a very good job. The border is secure."
Voices from the Community:
"Homan's presence might stabilize the immediate situation, but it does nothing to address the deep-seated distrust between ICE and immigrant communities. This is a tactical move, not a strategic solution," said Michael Chen, a political science professor at the University of Minnesota.
"Finally, someone is taking action. Minneapolis was becoming a lawless zone for activists. Homan knows how to get results, and Noem is right to back her officers who are under siege," stated Sarah Gibson, a small business owner in downtown Minneapolis.
"This is a disgraceful overreach and a calculated provocation. Deploying Homan isn't about safety; it's about political theater that puts more lives at risk. Noem's 'always do better' line is an insult when their actions are making things worse," fumed David Park, a local community organizer and protest participant.
"The Secretary is in an impossible position. The core mandate of DHS is security, but every action is now hyper-politicized. The focus should be on de-escalation and rebuilding operational credibility on all sides," noted Priya Sharma, a former federal security analyst.
Fox News' Anders Hagstrom and Emma Colton contributed to this report.