Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem addressed mounting criticism and calls for her resignation during an appearance on Fox News with Sean Hannity, amid ongoing protests in Minneapolis over recent fatal shootings involving federal immigration officers.
The incidents stem from Operation Metro Surge, a large-scale immigration enforcement effort launched by DHS in late 2025 and expanded in early 2026. The operation has deployed thousands of ICE and Border Patrol agents to the Minneapolis-St. Paul area and across Minnesota to arrest and deport individuals with criminal records or deportation orders, resulting in thousands of arrests targeting serious offenders such as murderers, rapists, drug traffickers, and child predators. Federal officials have highlighted these actions as fulfilling President Trump’s commitment to secure the border and remove dangerous individuals from communities. Protests have continued in Minneapolis, with demonstrators criticizing federal tactics and local leaders like Governor Tim Walz and Mayor Jacob Frey facing accusations from federal officials of inflammatory rhetoric that encourages violence against agents. Officers have reported threats to their safety, including attacks at hotels and restrictions on local law enforcement cooperation.
In the interview, Noem defended the operations and the officers involved, emphasizing the challenges of chaotic situations and the need for ongoing investigations led by the FBI. She noted improvements to protocols are always possible while stressing the importance of continuing enforcement against criminals who entered during prior border policies.
When Hannity raised comments from House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries calling for her removal—”Disgraceful. She’s got to go. We are dead serious. She needs to be put on ice permanently.”—Noem responded directly.
Noem: These radicals are attacking me but I’m just doing my job and following the law. pic.twitter.com/2hE4k8fyUr
— Acyn (@Acyn) January 30, 2026
“These radicals are attacking me but I’m just doing my job and following the law,” she said.
She added that DHS would persist in targeting criminals to prevent further harm, crediting President Trump’s leadership for dramatic drops in violent crime and murder rates to historic lows. Noem expressed gratitude for the immediate border security measures implemented and reiterated the focus on removing perpetrators who pose threats to American communities.
The backlash has included congressional demands for hearings and scrutiny of DHS statements, with some critics questioning initial accounts that appeared contradicted by later evidence. Noem maintained that transparency and truth-seeking through investigations remain priorities while agents carry out their sworn duties to protect public safety.
