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Rep. Krishnamoorthi calls for Noem testimony on DHS actions
The demand comes amid allegations of killings, unlawful detentions and abuse at DHS.
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Malvika Choudhary - Tue, 13, Jan 2026
- 16:02 EST
- 11
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Raja Krishnamoorthi / FIle Photo
Indian American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi on Jan. 12 called for Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to testify before the House Oversight Committee amid allegations of killings, unlawful detentions and systemic abuse within the department.
Krishnamoorthi was joined by House Oversight Committee Ranking Member Robert Garcia (D-Calif.) in urging Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) to hold an immediate public hearing and require Noem to testify under oath.
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“To Democrats and Republicans, it is readily apparent that her gross mismanagement of one of the federal government’s most powerful agencies has left communities shattered, Americans dead or injured, citizens unlawfully detained and even deported, and federal agents encouraged to engage in aggressive tactics,” the ranking members said in a joint letter.
“Over the past year, DHS has carried out raids across the country that have detained U.S. citizens, violated court orders, and even deported Americans. These actions have brought violence to communities around our country,” they added.
The lawmakers cited the Jan. 7, killing of Renee Good, a U.S. citizen and mother who was shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer in Minneapolis, and criticized the department’s response.
“In the wake of these shocking abuses, Secretary Noem and the Department have responded to public outrage with blatant lies,” the lawmakers said.
“For example, hours after the tragic shooting death of Ms. Good, Secretary Noem declared that Ms. Good had attacked ICE officers and attempted to run them over — a conclusory statement that is devoid of the truth and has been debunked by eyewitness accounts and video analysis,” it added.
The letter also points to what the lawmakers described as a broader pattern of misconduct at DHS.
“Under her leadership, the Department has deployed tear gas against our constituents, undermined the legal immigration system by detaining asylum seekers at their own court appointments, and recorded the highest number of immigration detainee deaths in nearly 20 years,” they wrote.
Democrats on the Oversight Committee have previously moved to subpoena the department, including a unanimous Democratic vote on Jan. 7, related to Good’s killing. The ranking members said they expect compulsory action if Noem does not agree to testify voluntarily and again urged Comer to schedule a public hearing.
The demand for Noem’s testimony comes amid growing scrutiny of DHS enforcement operations, including large-scale raids that have drawn legal challenges and protests in several cities.
One such operation, referred to by lawmakers as the “Midway Blitz,” has been criticized by local officials and civil rights groups for allegedly involving warrantless arrests and the detention of U.S. citizens.
The department has also faced political and legal pushback in recent weeks over immigration policy changes, including moves affecting humanitarian protections and enforcement priorities, adding to pressure on DHS leadership from Democrats and some local governments.
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