Noem Clashes With Democrats At Homeland Security Hearing Over Drones And Deportations

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem faced intense questioning and partisan clashes Thursday during a House Homeland Security committee hearing on "Worldwide Threats to the Homeland." Lawmakers pressed Noem on aggressive immigration enforcement practices and the growing risk posed by weaponized domestic drones, producing a string of heated exchanges and notable moments.

Immediate Tensions And Calls For Resignation

Minutes after testimony began, Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.) demanded Noem's resignation, accusing her of a pattern of illegal conduct. "Rather than sitting here and wasting your time and ours with more corruption, lies and lawlessness, I call on you to resign," Thompson said, citing actions he said violated U.S. law.

Thompson pointed to alleged efforts to deport migrants to El Salvador despite court constraints, the withholding of federal grants to pressure cities on immigration enforcement, and reports of U.S. citizens being detained. Many of the specific examples he cited are currently the subject of litigation.

Drone Threats And Planned Investments

Noem warned lawmakers that federal authorities have fallen behind in countering drone threats. "Frankly, our authorities haven't kept up with it," she said, announcing plans to expand collaboration with state and local authorities under newly available language in this year’s National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

She said the administration plans to invest roughly $1.5 billion in drone and counter-drone technologies and mitigation measures to partner with cities and states for public events. Noem noted the need for enhanced capabilities as the U.S. prepares for major global events including the 2026 FIFA World Cup and future Olympic Games, and said DHS is coordinating with the FAA to go beyond detection and monitoring toward active mitigation.

Deportation Concerns And A Veteran's Case

Democratic lawmakers repeatedly pressed Noem on whether enforcement efforts are correctly targeting the right individuals. Rep. Seth Magaziner (D-R.I.) highlighted the case of Sae Joon Park, a U.S. Army combat veteran who was shot while serving in Panama in 1989, later struggled with substance abuse, accrued a drug possession charge and failed to appear in court. Park, a green card holder, received a removal order and self-deported to Korea earlier this year despite previously receiving leniency.

Noem said she would review Park’s file to determine what changed and why removal occurred, while stressing that "every one of [our laws] needs to be enforced," and thanking Park for his military service.

Protesters Interrupt, Hearing Ends Early

Moments after Noem began her opening remarks, two protesters interrupted the hearing, shouting "End deportations!" One protester was dressed as a priest and carried a crucifix. The pair were escorted from the room; interrupting a Congressional proceeding can carry legal consequences. Noem continued her remarks and later left the hearing early for a scheduled meeting with FEMA.

Numbers Cited And Partisan Exchange

During the hearing, Noem cited recently released Department of Homeland Security figures that said roughly 2.5 million people have been removed or self-deported over a recent period. Democrats challenged enforcement priorities and urged closer review of individual cases; Republicans defended the administration’s immigration efforts and emphasized the need to secure the homeland.

Takeaway: The hearing underscored deep partisan divisions over immigration enforcement and homeland security priorities, highlighted an emphasis on bolstering counter-drone capabilities ahead of major events, and raised questions about individual deportation cases now under legal review.