Noem defends Homeland Security Department in post-shooting appearances before Congress

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem wrapped up two days of scrutiny in Congress, appearing for the first time in front of lawmakers since the shooting deaths of two protesters in Minneapolis at the hands of immigration enforcement officers. Noem came under blistering criticism from Democrats — and a few Republicans — over allegations that under her authority, immigration officers have abused the rights of immigrants and American citizens and used excessive force. She was also slammed over how her department is spending the billions of dollars allocated to it by Congress and accused of dodging accountability. Noem, the secretary leading President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown, argues she has strengthened the nation’s security.