Two Republican senators called for Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to resign last month amid backlash over fatal shootings during immigration enforcement operations in Minneapolis.

Sens. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Thom Tillis of North Carolina, both of whom voted to confirm Noem in January 2025, demanded her departure on January 27, 2026. Their statements marked the first public breaks from fellow Republicans on the issue. Tillis described Noem's response to one shooting as "amateur hour at its worst," criticizing her and White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller for prematurely labeling a victim a domestic terrorist before incident reports were complete. "She needs to go," Tillis said. Murkowski stated, "I think it probably is time for her to step down," adding that Noem had failed to control situations under her jurisdiction.

The controversy stemmed from two deaths during aggressive ICE-led operations targeting undocumented immigrants. On January 24, federal officers fatally shot Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse and American Federation of Government Employees member, in Minneapolis. Noem defended the officers, claiming Pretti approached with a gun intending harm and violently resisted. Eyewitness video contradicted this, showing no visible weapon during the confrontation. Earlier that month, an immigration officer killed Renee Nicole Good in a separate incident.

Noem's DHS did not immediately comment on the senators' demands. President Trump defended her, stating she was doing a "very good job" and calling Murkowski and Tillis "losers." Border Patrol's Minneapolis commander was replaced by acting ICE Director Tom Homan amid the fallout.

Utah Sen. John Curtis also criticized Noem's premature statements, calling for an independent probe and accountability, though he stopped short of demanding resignation. Senate Majority Leader John Thune and others like Sens. Cynthia Lummis and James Lankford expressed continued support or urged policy adjustments rather than removal.

Democrats amplified the calls, with over 140 House members backing an impeachment resolution and senators like Cory Booker and Peter Welch demanding Noem's immediate resignation. Unions including AFGE and NCAE also sought her ouster, accusing her of smearing victims.

Noem remains in her post as of today. On February 24, DHS released a statement touting achievements under her leadership, including a 95% drop in daily border encounters, nearly 3 million removals of illegal immigrants, record drug seizures, and enhanced security measures. The department noted zero releases of illegal aliens for nine months and ongoing preparations for major events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The episode unfolded against a partial government shutdown threat in late January, with Democrats linking DHS funding to enforcement reforms. No further GOP senators have publicly joined the resignation demands since Tillis and Murkowski spoke.