California Governor Gavin Newsom issued a harsh call for United States Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem to resign, intensifying a political battle over federal immigration enforcement actions in Minneapolis that have roiled the city and sparked national debate. Newsom’s demand comes in the wake of a deadly federal shooting in Minneapolis on Jan. 24, marking the second fatality in recent weeks during heightened immigration operations under Operation Metro Surge.
In a social media post, Newsom bluntly declared, “KRISTI NOEM MUST RESIGN,” linking her leadership at DHS to what he described as a reckless and destabilizing federal campaign in Minnesota. His remarks reflect deep Democratic frustration with how the Trump administration has used federal law enforcement in urban areas, particularly the Twin Cities, where thousands of DHS, ICE, and Border Patrol agents have been deployed purportedly to arrest undocumented immigrants and address alleged fraud.
KRISTI NOEM MUST RESIGN.
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) January 24, 2026
The shooting that catalyzed this latest round of criticism occurred during a targeted DHS operation in Minneapolis. Federal authorities said an individual approached Border Patrol agents with a 9 mm semi‑automatic handgun and resisted efforts to disarm him, prompting an agent to fire defensive shots. The man was pronounced dead at the scene. Federal officials portrayed the encounter as a defensive action against a dangerous suspect, but video widely shared online and statements from local leaders have raised skepticism about that narrative.
You, Gov. Walz need to bring in the National Guard to protect people of Minneapolis, Minnesota! NOW!
— Dawn Young-McDaniel🎗️🐾 (@justdawn_) January 24, 2026
These ICE agent cosplayers are *please pardon my language* pussies. It takes 4+ to detain 1 person & here they quickly scatter/run away upon shooting this man who was on his knees pic.twitter.com/vcCJ5W8sHM
Operation Metro Surge, launched in December 2025, has been a major point of contention. The campaign has seen ICE and other DHS agents conducting enforcement actions throughout Minnesota, resulting in thousands of arrests and multiple confrontations with residents and protesters. Critics argue the surge has created chaos, strained local resources, and undermined public safety, while supporters assert it is lawful and necessary to address immigration violations.
Newsom’s resignation demand echoes earlier calls from other Democratic leaders who have criticized Noem’s handling of federal enforcement and her defense of agents’ actions. In recent weeks, some House Democrats have even moved forward on impeachment proceedings against her, accusing Noem of “Gestapo like tactics”, violation of public trust, and failure to uphold constitutional rights during federal operations.
Minneapolis officials and Minnesota leaders have also voiced severe criticism. Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey have condemned the federal operation as a “violent occupation,” arguing it escalates tensions rather than protects residents, and have launched a state‑led investigation to examine conflicting accounts of the shootings and federal conduct.
Newsom’s demand adds to a growing partisan divide over the Minneapolis situation — with conservative defenders of the federal presence insisting the actions are lawful and essential, while Democratic critics portray the operations as emblematic of abusive federal overreach. As protests and legal challenges continue, calls for Noem’s resignation underscore how the Minneapolis shootings have become a flashpoint in broader disputes over immigration policy, federal authority, and accountability for the use of force.
