Noem also had to step down in Maine. After more than 200 arrests in just one week, the US immigration service ICE has suspended its operations in the rural state – apparently under pressure from Republican Senator Susan Collins, who is from there. It was also a reaction to Trump's promise to calm the situation.
So it's clear: Noem may keep her job (for now), but she will be publicly punished for her tough stance on the fatal shootings of two US citizens in Minneapolis. Democrats, civil rights activists and even some members of her own party held her responsible for the tragic events. – What she did in Minnesota should disqualify her from performing this function – said Republican Senator Thom Tillis from North Carolina. – Noem should go.
Noem is the face of Donald Trump's tough migration policy. It focused on merciless raids on illegal immigrants (not only in Minneapolis, but also in other large US cities). But what the president has long championed as the only way to effectively deport criminal aliens has recently drawn increasing resistance.
The reason: ICE officers spread fear and terror throughout entire neighborhoods.
Moreover, they arrested not only criminals and illegal immigrants, but also several children (including five-year-old Liam Ramos). In many places, these actions caused real panic. Protests broke out across the country. “ICE out!” (“Down with ICE!”) – the demonstrators’ banners said. Officials cracked down ruthlessly on them, too: Even after an ICE officer shot and killed mother-of-three Renee Good in her car, Trump continued to support Noem and her deportation services. However, the death of Alex Pretti changed the situation.
Kristi Noem during a Cabinet meeting at the White House, January 29, 2026.Win McNamee/Getty Images/Getty Images
While Noem and White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller portrayed the shot nurse as a “domestic terrorist” and “assassin,” the president distanced himself from those words for the first time, saying, among other things, that the shots fired at Pretti were a “regrettable incident.” Noam sparked outrage with her response to Pretti's death. Video footage quickly showed her claims were a lie.
The American news portal Axios reported that in the White House “blame game” broke out — but it was primarily about the inappropriate choice of words after Pretti's death, not about ICE's deportation practices.
Noem under fire from critics
According to Axios, the Secretary of Homeland Security herself stated that everything she did was in line with Trump and Miller's directives. Therefore, Noem is expected to remain in office. “She is doing the job that the president expects of her,” the website quotes an administration official as saying. According to Axios, Trump does not want to repeat the mistake of his first term, when there were constant changes in his staff. This gives Noem a chance to rehabilitate.
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However, it cannot be ruled out that “ICE-Barbie”, as Democrats call her, will eventually be forced to resign. There are over 160 members in the Congress has already signed the impeachment motion submitted by Illinois House of Representatives member Robin Kelly. Additionally, Democrats are threatening to block funding for the U.S. Border Patrol and Immigration Services as part of the annual budget bill. Without an agreement, Trump faces a government shutdown — and a new wave of criticism.
The pressure on Trump is growing
Trump has already announced a “fair investigation” into Pretti, which he intends to personally supervise. This is a blow to Noem, who preceded all investigations with her immediate condemnation.
Additionally, Trump sent Tom Homan, the “border czar,” to Minneapolis, who will report to him “directly.” This step is also being seen in Washington as a sign of damaged trust between the president and his toughest ally.
Kristi Noem and Donald Trump in the White House banquet hall, October 8, 2025.Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images/Getty Images
One thing is certain: the pressure on Trump is growing. For weeks, people have been demonstrating against the ruthless actions of the immigration services. Even before Pretti's death, 61 percent Americans polled found ICE's tactics “too brutal.” Even among Republicans support for Trump's immigration policies has declined recently.
Republican strategist Doug Heye says it's too early to tell whether Trump's attempts to limit the damage will be successful. Heye, who has been talking to Republican leaders in Washington in recent days, emphasizes that they fear that the escalation of the situation could threaten control of Congress in the midterm elections.
“It's obvious the government is concerned,” Heye says.
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
