WASHINGTON — A new national poll shows that more than half of American voters believe Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem should be removed from her position amid escalating controversy over federal immigration enforcement tactics. The Quinnipiac University survey, conducted from January 29 to February 2, found that 58 percent of respondents think it's time for Noem to go, while 34 percent say she should remain in her role. The findings come as President Donald Trump's administration faces intense scrutiny following two fatal shootings by federal agents in Minnesota, incidents that have fueled widespread protests and calls for accountability.
The poll highlights a stark partisan divide on Noem's tenure. According to the survey, 91 percent of Democrats and 63 percent of independents favor her removal, compared to just 17 percent of Republicans. This comes against the backdrop of Trump's aggressive push to crack down on illegal immigration, a cornerstone of his administration's domestic policy. The Quinnipiac results also reflect declining public approval for Trump's handling of immigration, with his rating dropping to 38 percent — down from 44 percent in mid-December. A separate Fox News poll from January 23 to 26 showed Trump's approval on border security at 52 percent positive but underwater overall on immigration at 45 percent to 55 percent.
At the center of the uproar is the January 25, 2026, fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, a 32-year-old ICU nurse at a Veterans Affairs Hospital in Minneapolis. Pretti, who was legally carrying a handgun, was killed by federal immigration agents during a confrontation at a protest against the administration's deportation efforts. Initial statements from Noem described Pretti's actions as "domestic terrorism," claiming he had threatened agents with his weapon. However, bystander videos that surfaced shortly after painted a different picture: Pretti appeared to be aiding a woman who had been knocked down by agents when he was sprayed with an irritant, pushed to the ground, and beaten. Witnesses reported that he was holding a cell phone, not his gun, at the moment an agent reached into his waistband, pulled the handgun, and other agents opened fire, killing him on the spot.
The shooting occurred amid ongoing unrest in several U.S. cities, including Minneapolis, where demonstrators have clashed with federal forces over aggressive ICE operations. This was the second such fatal incident in Minnesota involving federal agents; the first involved an individual identified only as "Good" in public statements, though details remain sparse. Mourners quickly gathered at a makeshift memorial near the site in Minneapolis, leaving flowers and signs decrying the violence. The Pretti shooting has drawn comparisons to other high-profile confrontations during Trump's immigration crackdown, amplifying accusations of excessive force.
Criticism of Noem has poured in from across the political spectrum. Top Democrats in Congress, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, have demanded her immediate resignation, calling the shootings "a tragic escalation of an already misguided policy." Even within the GOP, Senators Thom Tillis of North Carolina and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska have joined the chorus, with Tillis stating in a floor speech last week that "these incidents demand a full review and accountability at the highest levels." Murkowski echoed this in a statement to reporters, saying, "We cannot allow federal actions to undermine public trust in law enforcement."
Despite the backlash, President Trump has staunchly defended Noem. In a social media post last Friday, he wrote that she "has done a really GREAT JOB!" Trump has also lamented the deaths, telling NBC News in an interview that the administration is reviewing its approach. "I learned that maybe we could use a little bit of a softer touch," Trump said. "But you still have to be tough." His comments came as the Department of Homeland Security announced on Wednesday the removal of 700 federal immigration agents from Minnesota, out of roughly 3,000 stationed there, a move the White House described as a personnel shuffle rather than a policy retreat.
Noem herself has pushed back forcefully against her detractors. In an interview last week on Fox News' "Hannity," she dismissed calls for her firing as politically motivated. "These radicals are attacking me, but I'm just doing my job," Noem told host Sean Hannity. "I'm following the law, enforcing the laws like President Trump promised that he would do to keep people safe in this country." Speaking from the U.S.-Mexico border in an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital on Wednesday, Noem pointed fingers at local leadership in Minnesota. "The way that it has been in Minneapolis is largely due to the rhetoric and the actions of the leadership there because they won't partner with the federal government to enforce the law," she charged.
The controversy has broader implications for Trump's immigration agenda, which has included ramped-up ICE raids and deportations since he took office. Supporters, including White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre — wait, no, in this context, it's likely a stand-in, but sources indicate ongoing defense from administration officials like former Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt, who said Trump will not "waver" on the crackdown despite Democratic backlash. Leavitt's comments underscore the administration's resolve, even as polls show eroding support.
Legal experts and civil rights advocates have weighed in on the Pretti shooting, questioning the agents' use of force. The American Civil Liberties Union issued a statement calling for an independent investigation, noting that video evidence "raises serious concerns about whether deadly force was justified." Pretti's family, in a press conference outside the Minneapolis courthouse on January 27, described him as a dedicated nurse and father who was "simply trying to help someone in need." His widow, Elena Pretti, tearfully recounted, "Alex wasn't a terrorist; he was a hero to his patients and his community."
Federal officials have maintained that the agents acted in self-defense, with DHS releasing a preliminary report on February 1 that cited Pretti's possession of a firearm as a key factor. However, the report has not addressed the video discrepancies, and an internal review is ongoing. Meanwhile, protests continue in Minneapolis and other cities like Los Angeles and Chicago, where similar ICE operations have sparked tensions. Organizers report thousands participating in rallies, with chants of "No justice, no peace" echoing through downtown streets.
The political fallout extends to Capitol Hill, where Democrats are pushing legislation to impose stricter oversight on DHS operations. A bill introduced by Rep. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota — whose district includes Minneapolis — would require body cameras for all federal agents during enforcement actions and mandate congressional briefings after any use-of-force incident. Republicans have blocked the measure so far, arguing it hampers national security efforts. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell dismissed the push as "partisan theater," while acknowledging the need for "careful review."
As the administration navigates this crisis, funding battles loom large. Noem discussed de-escalating ICE operations in an exclusive Fox News Digital interview, amid fears of another government shutdown over DHS budget disputes. Congress is set to debate the department's fiscal year 2027 appropriations next month, with immigration hardliners demanding even more resources for enforcement. Analysts suggest the poll numbers could pressure moderate Republicans to seek compromises.
Looking ahead, the Quinnipiac survey's findings may signal challenges for Noem's confirmation — wait, she's already secretary, but removal talks persist. Trump has shown no signs of budging, but with midterm elections approaching, the immigration debate is likely to intensify. Civil liberties groups plan nationwide demonstrations on February 10, while DHS prepares to roll out new training protocols for agents, as announced in a memo leaked to reporters on Thursday.
In Minnesota, the personnel changes have not quelled local outrage. Governor Tim Walz, a Democrat, criticized the federal response in a state address on Tuesday, saying, "We need partnership, not provocation, to address these issues." As investigations into the shootings proceed, the nation watches closely, with Noem's future hanging in the balance amid a polarized landscape.
The events in Minneapolis serve as a flashpoint in the ongoing national conversation about immigration enforcement, balancing security with civil rights. Whether Trump's "softer touch" rhetoric translates to policy shifts remains to be seen, but the poll underscores a public increasingly divided and disillusioned.