Claims circulating online have suggested that US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has been dismissed following controversy over federal immigration enforcement activity in Minneapolis. Those claims are inaccurate. Noem remains in office, and there has been no announcement from the White House indicating her removal.
The confusion follows a decision by President Donald Trump to assign Tom Homan, a former senior immigration official, to oversee Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in Minneapolis. The move came after a series of incidents involving federal agents prompted protests, political scrutiny and debate over enforcement tactics in the city.
Administration officials have described the change as a location-specific operational decision. They have said it does not represent a change in leadership at cabinet level and does not alter Noem's position as head of the Department of Homeland Security.
Kristi Noem Remains DHS secretary
Noem was confirmed as Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in January 2025 and continues to serve in that role. The White House has not issued any statement suggesting her dismissal, suspension or resignation.
Online speculation about her status emerged shortly after the announcement that enforcement oversight in Minneapolis would be reassigned. No official documentation or government communication has supported claims that she was removed from office.
White House briefings since the announcement have reiterated that Noem retains full authority over DHS operations nationwide, including immigration enforcement policy.
Kristi Noem is a liar.
— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) January 26, 2026
Kristi Noem is incompetent.
Kristi Noem is vicious.
Kristi Noem must be fired.
I would remind everyone on this internet, that when Mr. Homan was running deportations for the Obama administration, ICE was not shooting law abiding citizens to death in the streets.
— ajoenamedjoe (@ajoenamedjoe) January 26, 2026
Why Tom Homan Was Sent To Minneapolis
Homan's appointment follows two fatal incidents involving federal immigration agents in Minneapolis earlier this year. The incidents led to protests, criticism from local officials and questions about the conduct of federal operations.
President Trump said Homan would act as the administration's lead representative for immigration enforcement on the ground in Minneapolis. His responsibilities include coordinating federal agencies and serving as the main point of contact during a review of enforcement activity in the city.
Federal officials also confirmed that some Border Patrol personnel were withdrawn from Minneapolis as part of an operational reassessment. The administration said enforcement would continue while efforts were made to manage tensions and review procedures.
“I am sending Tom Homan to Minnesota tonight. He has not been involved in that area, but knows and likes many of the people there. Tom is tough but fair, and will report directly to me...” - President Donald J. Trump pic.twitter.com/VMTijN2Eh9
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) January 26, 2026
🚨 BREAKING: Border Czar Tom Homan will be MANAGING ICE OPERATIONS directly on the ground in Minnesota, and reporting directly to President Trump
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) January 26, 2026
Homan will also coordinate the FRAUD investigations, per Karoline Leavitt
Homan is a national treasure! 🇺🇸🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/GCpXX5U4BK
Noem's Public Position
Noem has defended the actions of federal agencies involved in the Minneapolis operations. In public remarks, she has said enforcement activity complied with the law and criticised local political leaders, arguing that public statements contributed to heightened tensions around protests.
She has continued to appear in her official capacity since the announcement and has not indicated any intention to step down. White House officials have stated that Homan's deployment does not alter Noem's authority or responsibilities within the administration.
This is good news for peace, safety, and accountability in Minneapolis.
— Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) January 26, 2026
I have worked closely with Tom over the last year and he has been a major asset to our team— his experience and insight will help us in our wide-scale fraud investigations, which have robbed Americans, and… pic.twitter.com/sLtArl1QcT
Political Criticism Continues
Although Noem remains in office, political criticism has intensified. Several Democratic lawmakers have called for her resignation, citing concerns about transparency and the handling of enforcement operations.
No impeachment proceedings have been initiated, and Congress has not taken formal action against her. DHS has also not announced any internal disciplinary measures connected to the Minneapolis incidents.
🚨BREAKING: KRISTI NOEM AT RISK OF BEING FIRED NEXT pic.twitter.com/Oqgy7Rm8AZ
— Spencer Hakimian (@SpencerHakimian) January 27, 2026
Standing against ICE violence is working! Greg Bovino has been fired—the leader of this lawlessness and ICE operations in Minneapolis. Next, Kristi Noem must be impeached and ICE must be disbanded. https://t.co/2Z0pgQxdZz
— Joaquin Castro (@JoaquinCastrotx) January 27, 2026
Why The Distinction Matters
The controversy highlights broader disputes over immigration enforcement, federal authority and accountability. The reassignment of operational oversight in Minneapolis reflects a shift in how enforcement is being managed in that city.
Despite widespread claims online, Kristi Noem has not been removed from her position. The administration has focused on adjusting enforcement operations while keeping existing leadership in place, leaving Noem at the centre of an ongoing and politically charged debate.
