Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said Kristi Noem could face accountability after aggressive federal immigration operations in Minnesota coincided with the deaths of Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti. Walz told MS NOW he welcomed reports of Noem's dismissal by President Trump but emphasized Minnesota seeks justice rather than retribution. Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty and Attorney General Keith Ellison are investigating alleged excessive-force incidents and have asked the public for tips. Reports say Sen. Markwayne Mullin was named to replace Noem and that Noem's removal followed damaging congressional testimony and a disclosed $200 million ad spend.
Gov. Tim Walz Says Kristi Noem Could Face Accountability Over Controversial ICE Raids
The cosplay-loving DHS secretary is on her way out of the agency after she was fired by President Donald Trump. / Tia Dufour / Tia Dufour/DHS
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz warned that South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem could face accountability in Minnesota after federal immigration operations in the state coincided with the deaths of two 37-year-old Americans, Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti. Walz made the remarks during an interview with MS NOW host Jen Psaki.
Walz said he was "so glad" reports show Noem is leaving the Department of Homeland Security after being dismissed by President Donald Trump, but he stressed that Minnesota still has a long road to recovery. He argued Noem was not removed for the reported deaths or for alleged incidents during the raids.
The nation erupted in protests after the killings of two American citizens by federal immigration agents in January. / Scott Olson / Getty Images
"She wasn't fired for killing Alex or Renee or being in charge of that," Walz said. "She wasn't fired for taking children. She wasn't fired for dragging American citizens out of their home with no shoes, in underwear when it's 20 below zero."
Walz criticized what he described as heavy-handed federal immigration tactics and said officials only change course when actions become politically costly. He predicted Noem may spend more time in Minnesota as state authorities press for answers and possible accountability.
Investigations and Legal Action
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty has asked the public to submit tips and evidence as her office investigates more than a dozen alleged incidents of excessive force by federal immigration agents. In January, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison filed a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security over what state officials described as an ICE surge in Minnesota.
Noem was speaking in Nashville as Trump gave her the boot via social media post. Since her ousting, she's been attacked from every side. / Nicole Hester/USA Today Network via REUTERS
"Our folks are going to be looking into each and every one of these incidents that happened. We're going to want answers. Who gave the orders to do this? Who said that these folks could do that?" Walz said. "People are looking for accountability. That's what the system is... We're looking for justice, and we're looking to make sure that no one's above the law."
On Thursday, President Trump reportedly announced that Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin would replace Noem as head of DHS. Insiders told the Daily Beast that Noem's removal followed a difficult performance in congressional hearings and disclosures that she authorized more than $200 million in an advertising campaign.
State and local investigations are expected to continue as officials seek to establish the chain of command, the decisions behind the raids, and whether criminal or civil accountability is warranted.
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