House Republicans are growing frustrated with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem after a fatal Minnesota shooting, as Democrats push impeachment and GOP lawmakers weigh loyalty to Trump against rising political risk.
WEBDESK – Act Global Media – January 29, 2026
Frustration with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is intensifying among House Republicans following her response to the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, setting up a politically fraught moment as Democrats weigh forcing an impeachment vote.
While GOP lawmakers have largely stood by Noem publicly, dozens are now calling for increased oversight and clearer answers about the shooting and the department’s messaging in its aftermath. Multiple Republican aides say irritation with Noem has been building for months, but Saturday’s killing and what lawmakers describe as a botched response marked a breaking point.
The tension has raised the possibility that House Republicans, particularly those in swing districts, could soon be forced to go on the record if Democrats move ahead with impeachment proceedings. For vulnerable members, an impeachment vote tied to immigration enforcement would be especially risky.
President Donald Trump’s decision to dispatch White House border czar Tom Homan to Minnesota on Monday was widely praised by Republicans, a move some aides privately described as a subtle rebuke of Noem. While no House Republicans have publicly called for her resignation, Sens. Thom Tillis of North Carolina and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska urged Noem to step down on Tuesday.
Moderate Republicans have also begun voicing broader unease about the administration’s immigration approach. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania and Rep. Tom Suozzi of New York, co-chairs of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, sent a letter to Trump seeking a meeting on border security amid what they described as growing public rejection of current enforcement efforts.
Rep. Mike Lawler of New York wrote in an op-ed that the shootings of Pretti and another victim, Renee Good, show existing policies are not working and called for immigration reform. Rep. Maria Salazar of Florida warned that Hispanic voters are drifting away from the GOP, urging her party to change course.
The Department of Homeland Security pushed back, saying it is enforcing laws passed by Congress. “If certain members don’t like those laws, changing them is literally their job,” DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement.
Democrats see an opening. Rep. Robin Kelly of Illinois, who is leading the impeachment effort, plans outreach to Republican offices, according to her spokesperson.
Still, party loyalty remains strong. Trump defended Noem, saying she is doing a “very good job,” and criticized GOP senators who called for her resignation. Most House Republicans, wary of crossing the president, appear unlikely to back impeachment despite growing internal frustration.
