Noem Testifies on DHS Shutdown and Immigration

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday for an oversight hearing, facing questions about the agency's immigration enforcement operations and the ongoing partial government shutdown affecting the department.

The testimony comes as the Department of Homeland Security has been operating under a funding lapse since February 14, after congressional Democrats and the Trump administration failed to agree on legislation to extend financing through September. Democrats have conditioned funding on reforms to immigration practices, particularly following the fatal shootings of two individuals, Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti, by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis in January. The incidents, which occurred during enforcement actions, prompted widespread protests and unrest in the city. In response, the administration has withdrawn thousands of federal immigration officials from Minneapolis in an effort to reduce tensions.

The hearing, which began at 9 a.m., was disrupted early when two protesters were removed by U.S. Capitol Police after shouting at Noem. One yelled, "Kristi Noem, you should be ashamed of...