Kristi Noem’s departure from the DHS won’t mean an end to agency’s violent tactics
Quick Insights
The Bottom Line
DHS leadership change unlikely to halt aggressive immigration enforcement or reduce civilian casualties.
How This Affects You
Immigrants and residents in enforcement zones face continued risk of detention, violence, and death regardless of secretary-level personnel changes.
AI Summary
# Summary Former Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was fired on March 5, 2026, following public outcry over her role in Operation Metro Surge, an immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis and Saint Paul that resulted in the killing of two U.S. citizens. However, human rights advocates and advocacy organizations, including Minnesota Immigrant Rights Action Committee co-founder Erika Zurawski, expressed concern that her departure will not end the administration's aggressive immigration enforcement tactics, noting that violence and detentions continue despite her removal. The Trump administration replaced Noem with Oklahoma senator Markwayne Mullin, whom the National Immigration Law Center described as a hardline choice that amounts to cosmetic change rather than substantive policy shift. Hundreds of immigration agents remained deployed in Minnesota weeks after the administration announced a drawdown, and at least two immigrants have recently died in Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody.
What's Being Done
Trump administration replaced Noem with Senator Markwayne Mullin; immigration agents remain deployed in Minnesota despite announced drawdown.
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‘I’m relieved she’s gone’: Fema staffers celebrate ousting of Kristi Noem
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