Noem Faces Senate Grilling as DHS Shutdown Enters Third Week and Minneapolis Shootings Loom

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem faces senators on Tuesday over the partial DHS shutdown — now entering its third week — and deadly ICE-related shootings in Minneapolis that have left lawmakers on both sides demanding answers. The hearing arrives at what may be the worst possible moment for the department: a shutdown that has left thousands of DHS employees without pay, an active war that has raised the domestic terror threat level, the FBI on elevated alert after the Austin mass shooting, and a World Cup security planning crisis. Democrats are calling for Noem's resignation or impeachment, while Republicans defend the administration's immigration enforcement record. The convergence of a budget crisis, active military conflict, and fatal enforcement incidents creates an accountability gauntlet that will test whether Noem can hold the confidence of Congress and the public.