Fetterman Urges Trump to Fire Kristi Noem Now over Minnesota ICE Shootings/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Senator John Fetterman has publicly urged President Trump to fire DHS Secretary Kristi Noem after two fatal ICE-related shootings in Minnesota. Fetterman, often a centrist on immigration, accused Noem of undermining Trump’s border legacy. He also called for the controversial Minneapolis enforcement operation to end immediately.
Fetterman’s Criticism of Noem: Quick Look
- Sen. John Fetterman demands President Trump fire DHS Secretary Kristi Noem
- Blames her for “betraying” DHS’s core mission and Trump’s immigration legacy
- Responds to deaths of U.S. citizens Alex Pretti and Renee Good in Minnesota
- Calls for ICE operation in Minneapolis to shut down
- Opposes abolishing ICE but condemns current tactics used
- Notes ungovernable conditions in Minneapolis following deadly shootings
- Says DHS leadership must be held accountable
- Fetterman breaks with some Democrats but urges change in immigration enforcement
Deep Look
Fetterman Calls on Trump to Fire DHS Secretary Noem Over Minnesota ICE Shootings
Senator John Fetterman, D-Pa., issued a forceful public call on Tuesday for President Donald Trump to immediately dismiss Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem following two fatal shootings by immigration agents in Minneapolis.
In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Fetterman tagged both @POTUS and @realDonaldTrump, directly appealing to the president:
“I make a direct appeal to immediately fire @Sec_Noem. Americans have died. She is betraying DHS’s core mission and trashing your border security legacy.”
Fetterman’s demand comes in the wake of the high-profile deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Good, both U.S. citizens fatally shot by federal immigration officers this month. The shootings have intensified scrutiny of Trump’s immigration crackdown and triggered bipartisan concern about tactics used by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
While many in his party have pushed to defund or abolish ICE, Fetterman has taken a more pragmatic stance. In his statement Monday, he said:
“Ms. Good and Mr. Pretti should still be alive. My family grieves for theirs.”
Fetterman described the ongoing federal operation in Minneapolis as a failure, saying it should be terminated immediately.
“The operation in Minneapolis should stand down and immediately end. It has become an ungovernable and dangerous urban theatre for civilians and law enforcement that is incompatible with the American spirit.”
Despite his harsh criticism of the Minneapolis enforcement actions, Fetterman made it clear that he continues to support border security and a functional immigration system.
“As a very pro-immigration Democrat and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Border Management, I believe our nation deserves a secured border and that we should deport all criminal migrants. I also believe there needs to be a path to citizenship for those hardworking families who are here.”
Fetterman explicitly rejected growing calls from the progressive wing of the Democratic Party to abolish ICE.
“I reject the calls to defund or abolish ICE. I strongly disagree with many strategies and practices ICE deployed in Minneapolis, and believe that must change.”
The Pennsylvania senator’s remarks put him at odds with some in his own party while also holding the Trump administration accountable for what he called a breakdown in leadership and public trust. His appeal for Noem’s removal also underscores rising tensions over the federal government’s approach to immigration enforcement, especially in cities that have resisted cooperation with ICE.
Meanwhile, criticism of Noem has grown beyond the left. More than half of House Democrats have backed an impeachment push against her. The White House has yet to respond to Fetterman’s statement.
The deaths in Minnesota have fueled a broader debate over ICE’s role and the legal boundaries of federal enforcement in sanctuary cities. Critics say the aggressive tactics are endangering civilians and eroding the legitimacy of federal agencies.
Noem, who was appointed DHS Secretary in Trump’s second term, has become a lightning rod for controversy. She has previously defended the ICE raids and called the Minneapolis operation “a necessary show of federal strength.” Fetterman, however, says such rhetoric ignores the real-world consequences and human costs.
Whether Trump will respond to Fetterman’s call remains unclear. However, the growing backlash — even from lawmakers who align with Trump on key issues — suggests that his administration’s immigration strategy could face more internal pressure as the 2026 midterm elections approach.
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