Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin is calling for the resignation, termination, or impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem over her handling of a recent fatal shooting in Minneapolis that left two U.S. citizens dead. The Holly Democrat delivered a scathing speech on the Senate floor, criticizing Noem's leadership after federal agents shot and killed Alex Pretti and Renee Good during immigration operations.
Slotkin expressed outrage at Noem's characterization of one of the victims as a "domestic terrorist," claiming it was a misreading of the justice system. She also criticized White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, saying he is an "anchor" around President Trump's neck and should face consequences for his role in shaping immigration policies.
Slotkin's opposition to Noem and Miller stems from her previous support for their confirmation. However, after witnessing the devastating aftermath of the Minneapolis shootings, she has shifted her stance. She argued that Noem's actions were a "betrayal" of the values she claims to uphold, including protecting American citizens.
The senator also announced that Michigan will not back the current government funding bill unless it includes reforms to Department of Homeland Security policy. This could lead to a partial federal shutdown as early as Saturday. Slotkin and her colleague Senator Gary Peters believe that DHS funding should be dealt with separately from other parts of the government, allowing for a more focused debate on immigration policies.
The House has already passed legislation addressing these concerns, but Senate Democrats are pushing for a similar approach in the upper chamber. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, along with the White House, is resisting decoupling DHS funding from larger spending bills.
As negotiations continue between Senate Democrats and Republicans, there is growing pressure to find compromise language addressing Democratic demands for oversight measures while maintaining government funding. The standoff highlights ongoing tensions over immigration enforcement tactics and raises questions about accountability in federal law enforcement agencies.
Slotkin's push for reform comes at a critical time, given Michigan's proximity to the U.S.-Canada border and its large immigrant communities. A prolonged shutdown would have significant impacts on federal operations and daily life in Metro Detroit.
The Senate is expected to vote soon on the DHS funding bill, which could determine whether the country experiences a partial government shutdown. As Democrats press for accountability measures, it remains to be seen whether President Trump or his administration will back down or resist demands for reform.
Slotkin expressed outrage at Noem's characterization of one of the victims as a "domestic terrorist," claiming it was a misreading of the justice system. She also criticized White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, saying he is an "anchor" around President Trump's neck and should face consequences for his role in shaping immigration policies.
Slotkin's opposition to Noem and Miller stems from her previous support for their confirmation. However, after witnessing the devastating aftermath of the Minneapolis shootings, she has shifted her stance. She argued that Noem's actions were a "betrayal" of the values she claims to uphold, including protecting American citizens.
The senator also announced that Michigan will not back the current government funding bill unless it includes reforms to Department of Homeland Security policy. This could lead to a partial federal shutdown as early as Saturday. Slotkin and her colleague Senator Gary Peters believe that DHS funding should be dealt with separately from other parts of the government, allowing for a more focused debate on immigration policies.
The House has already passed legislation addressing these concerns, but Senate Democrats are pushing for a similar approach in the upper chamber. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, along with the White House, is resisting decoupling DHS funding from larger spending bills.
As negotiations continue between Senate Democrats and Republicans, there is growing pressure to find compromise language addressing Democratic demands for oversight measures while maintaining government funding. The standoff highlights ongoing tensions over immigration enforcement tactics and raises questions about accountability in federal law enforcement agencies.
Slotkin's push for reform comes at a critical time, given Michigan's proximity to the U.S.-Canada border and its large immigrant communities. A prolonged shutdown would have significant impacts on federal operations and daily life in Metro Detroit.
The Senate is expected to vote soon on the DHS funding bill, which could determine whether the country experiences a partial government shutdown. As Democrats press for accountability measures, it remains to be seen whether President Trump or his administration will back down or resist demands for reform.