WASHINGTON, Jan. 29, 2026 — Democratic lawmakers and governors have escalated demands for the resignation or firing of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem following two fatal shootings by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis this month, with some also targeting White House adviser Stephen Miller for his inflammatory rhetoric in the aftermath.

The calls gained momentum after the January 24 shooting of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old VA nurse, by a Border Patrol agent during protests against federal immigration operations in the city. Pretti’s death followed the fatal shooting of Renée Nicole Good, another U.S. citizen, on January 12 by an ICE officer in a similar encounter. Both incidents occurred amid “Operation Metro Surge,” a large-scale federal crackdown on undocumented immigrants in Democratic-leaning urban areas.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul was among the first high-profile Democrats to demand action, stating on January 25 that Ms. Noem had “forfeited her right to lead” and calling on Mr. Trump to fire her immediately. “Kristi Noem has got to go,” Ms. Hochul said, accusing the department of creating “lawless havoc” in Minneapolis. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker echoed the sentiment, labeling Ms. Noem’s leadership “disqualifying” and joining calls for her removal.

The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), the largest federal employee union representing over 750,000 workers, including Border Patrol agents, also demanded Ms. Noem and Mr. Miller’s resignation or termination. AFGE President Everett Kelley condemned Ms. Noem for “slandering” Pretti as a “domestic terrorist” in the immediate aftermath of the shooting, calling it a betrayal of public trust. Mr. Miller, a key architect of the administration’s immigration policies, amplified the characterization, describing Pretti as a “would-be assassin” who “tried to murder federal law enforcement.”

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York issued an ultimatum to Mr. Trump, demanding Ms. Noem’s firing or threatening impeachment proceedings. “A groundswell of voices have come to the same conclusion: Kristi Noem must go,” Mr. Jeffries said in a statement. Representative Yassamin Ansari of Arizona called the killings “what an unchecked paramilitary force looks like” and urged resignations from both Ms. Noem and Mr. Miller.

Even some Republicans have expressed reservations. Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina suggested Ms. Noem’s handling of the incidents was “disqualifying,” though he stopped short of calling for her resignation. Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey demanded Ms. Noem’s removal, alleging agencies under her purview are “harming public safety.”

The shootings have sparked widespread protests in Minneapolis and beyond, with demonstrators accusing federal agents of operating with impunity. Witnesses and bystander videos contradict DHS accounts, showing Pretti assisting a shoved protester before being tackled and shot, with no visible weapon in his hands. A federal judge has ordered the preservation of evidence, and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison has filed a lawsuit seeking to halt the operations.

Ms. Noem has defended the agents, stating they acted in self-defense against armed threats. The department claims Pretti approached officers with a 9mm handgun and reacted violently during disarmament. However, Pretti’s family and witnesses dispute this, describing him as a peaceful protester.

The White House has not responded directly to the calls but has emphasized that enforcement actions target criminal aliens. Mr. Miller’s comments have drawn particular ire for escalating rhetoric, with critics accusing him of smearing victims to deflect blame.

While impeachment of Ms. Noem is unlikely in a Republican-controlled House, the demands highlight deepening partisan rifts over immigration enforcement. Democrats see the incidents as evidence of unchecked federal power, while Republicans frame them as necessary responses to resistance. As midterm elections approach, the controversy could shape voter turnout in key states.

The Justice Department is reviewing the cases, but no criminal charges have been filed against the agents involved. Protests continue, with calls for body-camera footage and independent probes.