DHS Secretary Kristi Noem To Testify Before House Judiciary Committee Amid Scrutiny Over Deportation Policies

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has agreed to testify before the House Judiciary Committee on March 4, her second congressional appearance in recent weeks as lawmakers probe the Trump administration's aggressive deportation agenda and related enforcement practices.

House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) told Fox News Digital that Noem's appearance is part of routine congressional oversight of Cabinet officials. Jordan said the hearing is not a direct response to a recent demand from committee Democrats seeking Noem's testimony about two fatal incidents in Minnesota that occurred during immigration enforcement operations.

Rep. Jim Jordan looks on during a hearing with the House Judiciary Committee in the Rayburn House Office Building on Sept. 3, 2025, in Washington, D.C.

What the Hearings Will Cover

Jordan indicated he will press Noem on cooperation between local jurisdictions and federal immigration authorities, especially policies in so-called "sanctuary" cities and states that limit local law enforcement from notifying federal agencies like ICE when a detainee may have uncertain immigration status.

"You've got a guy in your jail who's done some bad thing — that's why he's in your jail — and, oh, also happens to be here illegally, and you're not going to work with ICE. … I think the vast majority of the country thinks that's just stupid," Jordan said.

Context: Minnesota Incidents And Political Fallout

Both deadly incidents in Minnesota, in which U.S. citizens Renee Good and Alex Pretti were killed during chaotic confrontations with immigration agents, remain under FBI investigation. Democrats led by ranking member Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) have criticized Noem for making premature public statements — including labeling the victims "domestic terrorists" — which they characterized as a possible attempt to cover up departmental mistakes.

White House border czar Tom Homan deployed to Minnesota on Jan. 26, 2026, to run point on the immigration crackdown in the state.

The initial comments from Noem and other Trump administration officials drew bipartisan criticism for jumping to conclusions before investigations concluded. In response to the incidents and the backlash, President Donald Trump reorganized Minnesota immigration operations, removed its local leader, Greg Bovino, and brought in border czar Tom Homan.

Legal And Political Stakes

Noem is also scheduled to appear before the Senate Judiciary Committee on March 3. Her appearances come as the Department of Homeland Security faces hundreds of court challenges related to arrests and detentions of suspected undocumented immigrants — a legal and political backdrop that will shape questioning from both parties.

Federal authorities continue to investigate whether agents lawfully used lethal force in the two Minnesota incidents. President Trump has publicly defended Noem, accusing what he called "Radical Left Lunatics" of targeting her and praising her performance on immigration enforcement.

What To Watch For

Observers will be watching for how Noem handles questions about: coordination with local law enforcement, the department's rules of engagement and use of force, transparency during ongoing investigations, and how DHS plans to respond to the wave of litigation challenging recent enforcement actions.