Kristi Noem Faces Internal Scrutiny but Likely to Keep DHS Role, Sources Say
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is under internal examination within the Trump administration after mounting criticism over the handling of federal immigration enforcement operations, especially following a fatal shooting in Minneapolis earlier this month. Despite the scrutiny, multiple sources familiar with the matter told CBS News that Noem is expected to remain in her position for now, even as questions persist about policy direction and leadership decisions.
The sudden focus on Noem comes amid widespread debate over the role of U.S. immigration agencies following the death of 37-year-old Alex Pretti, who was shot by a Border Patrol agent during a high-profile enforcement operation in Minneapolis. That episode followed another recent fatal shooting of a civilian by federal agents in the same city, amplifying tensions and prompting protests. Critics have questioned both the tactics used by immigration agents and the messaging from senior leadership at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
White House Meeting and Shift in Priorities
Sources told CBS News that Noem was at the White House this week meeting with senior officials to explain the administration’s response to the Minneapolis incidents and to answer questions about DHS operations. While some within the administration have expressed concern about public perception and internal coordination, leadership appears to be maintaining confidence in Noem’s overall role. Her focus is expected to shift away from controversial interior enforcement operations in U.S. cities to prioritizing the southern border and other core homeland security tasks.
That shift in operational emphasis comes as the administration reassigns some responsibilities. Notably, Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino, who had been placed in charge of a large interior immigration enforcement effort that included Minneapolis and other cities, is being pulled from that role and will return to his previous position along the U.S.–Mexico border. Meanwhile, Tom Homan, a senior figure with past leadership experience in immigration enforcement, has been tapped to oversee the Minneapolis operation. Sources said Homan was at the White House last week coordinating strategy before traveling to Minnesota.
Internal and External Criticism
Noem’s early public characterizations of the Minneapolis shooting have been a flashpoint. Shortly after the incident, she described Pretti as posing a threat to law enforcement and accused him of violent resistance, messaging that some lawmakers and DHS officials say was premature and not yet backed by a full review of video evidence. Independent footage appeared to contradict key elements of the official account, fostering criticism from members of both parties and some within DHS.
That internal tension reflects broader disagreements about how aggressive immigration enforcement operations are handled and communicated. Some officials within DHS and elsewhere are concerned that mixed messaging and rapid public statements have undermined credibility at a moment when legal scrutiny and public protests are intensifying.
Political Backdrop
The controversy surrounding the Minneapolis shootings has spilled into national politics. State leaders, including Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, have publicly called for the Minneapolis mission to be halted and have urged that Noem be replaced, arguing that the crackdown has been poorly executed and politically damaging. Such voices add pressure even as the internal evaluation moves forward.
Meanwhile, congressional Democrats have escalated efforts to hold Noem accountable, with dozens of lawmakers co-sponsoring legislation that could lead toward impeachment proceedings. Critics cite both the Minneapolis incidents and Noem’s broader leadership decisions at DHS as justification for heightened oversight and potential disciplinary action.
Despite these pressures, sources say the administration values Noem’s past support for former President Trump’s immigration priorities and is choosing stability in leadership over a cabinet shake-up at this stage. By redirecting her focus to other aspects of the department’s mission, officials are signaling a desire to balance accountability with continuity.
Broader Context
The Minneapolis events occurred amid a larger immigration enforcement initiative that has drawn widespread attention and debate. The surge in agents deployed to urban areas and the accompanying protests have made DHS operations a central political issue, catalyzing reactions from lawmakers, advocacy groups, and local officials. As these developments unfold, Noem’s leadership will continue to be evaluated not only within the administration but also on the national political stage.
