In-House Opinions: Local representatives on Minnesota and Kristi Noem
The Trump administration’s crackdown on illegal immigrants in the state of Minnesota has caught the attention of not just our nation but that of people across the world.
It’s unlikely that until a few weeks ago, for instance, Italian protesters against an ICE security presence in Milan for the Winter Olympics had even heard of the American Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency.
But now, after the deployment of thousands of federal law enforcement personnel in flak jackets and masks to Minneapolis and St. Paul, weeks of arrests and deportations of hundreds of immigrants, tens of thousands of people protesting in the winter streets and the deaths of two Americans shot by federal agents, the world is watching.
So are members of the Southern California congressional delegation, both Democrats and Republicans. For our ongoing In-House Opinions feature, we asked some of them for their takes on the situation in Minnesota, and on what they think of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem:
Rep. Norma Torres, D-Pomona: “When people protest the Trump administration, it is not because they want disorder, it is because they are seeing their government act with impunity, they are seeing their neighbors being violently attacked, they are seeing federal agents indiscriminately kill their neighbors in front of them and they are experiencing intimidation and retaliation by the people who are supposed to protect them. Peaceful protests are a warning of what happens when the federal government ignores its constitutional obligations and treats human lives as collateral damage. As for Secretary Kristi Noem, I have zero confidence in her leadership at the Department of Homeland Security. Under her watch, Americans have been murdered in cold blood, DHS has obstructed lawful congressional oversight, dismissed credible reports of abuse, carried out an extreme agenda that tears families apart and destabilizes communities. Secretary Noem has made it clear that she is willing to follow political orders rather than uphold the Constitution she swore to defend. That is not leadership, it is complicity and she should be fired. Americans deserve a secretary who respects the law and our Constitution, honors congressional oversight, and understands that public safety does not come at the expense of American democracy.”
Rep. Ken Calvert, R-Corona: “The loss of life in Minnesota is a tragedy. Like any lethal use of force incident involving law enforcement, there should be a thorough review of the facts. I continue to believe we can prevent future tragedies from occurring by separating people who want to exercise their constitutional right to protest with those conducting law enforcement. When interference with law enforcement occurs, it creates an incredibly dangerous situation for everyone. The best way to enforce our federal immigration policy priorities, which include deporting criminal illegal immigrants, is for local and state governments to work with federal officials to safely transfer these individuals wherever they are being held. Ending sanctuary state policies will reduce the need for federal law enforcement from going into communities and creating these situations.”
Rep. Derek Tran, D-Cypress: “The nonfeasance by the Trump administration to rein in ICE’s rogue, inhumane conduct is a betrayal of the American people and our fundamental values. No one is above the law, especially those who are entrusted with enforcing it. DHS Secretary Noem has repeatedly failed to lead the agency with transparency and accountability. I have no confidence that DHS can be trusted to protect the American people under Secretary Noem’s leadership. If President Trump won’t fire her, then Congress must remove the secretary from her position, and the veil of secrecy surrounding ICE’s brutal tactics must be stripped away by a full independent inquiry.”
Rep. Mark Takano, D-Riverside: “Congress must impeach Kristi Noem and stop sending taxpayer dollars to ICE and CBP until we see real accountability and reform. Since assuming control of the Department of Homeland Security, Noem and Donald Trump have stoked fear and violence in communities across the country, including here in the Inland Empire — culminating in the horrific assault on the people of Minneapolis. In the sub-zero temperatures of winter, everyday Minnesotans have showed the nation their bravery, empathy and decency in the face of rogue agents masquerading as law enforcement officers. But their example will be squandered if Republicans refuse to join with Democrats to remove Kristi Noem and negotiate a funding deal that means meaningful accountability and reform for ICE and CBP.”
Rep. Young Kim, R-Yorba Linda: “We must continue to secure the border, enforce our laws, target dangerous criminals and support our law enforcement, who are operating in increasingly volatile environments. Our law enforcement also must have willing partners on the ground that work in good faith to keep communities safe.”
Rep. George Whitesides, D-Santa Clarita: “Kristi Noem has demonstrated a consistent disregard for the law and civil liberties of American citizens. Her leadership has put lives at risk. Impeachment is one of the most serious actions Congress can take against federal officials, so I did not make the decision lightly, but I have come to the conclusion that she must be removed from office. That is why I joined articles of impeachment against her.”
Rep. Ted Lieu, D-Torrance: “A few weeks ago, I went to Minneapolis-Saint Paul to meet with nonprofit groups, local law enforcement and those directly affected by ICE and Border Patrol’s horrific abuse. It’s clear that these agencies are out of control. As a result, people in Minnesota and across the country are exercising their First Amendment rights to peacefully witness, film and livestream ICE and CBP’s operations. This public pressure is working – Greg Bovino has been removed from his position as Border Patrol Commander-at-Large, Secretary Kristi Noem issued a directive for all field agents in Minneapolis to wear body cameras like real police do and Border Czar Tom Homan announced a partial withdrawal of federal agents. Still, more needs to be done. Under Kristi Noem, DHS has failed to protect civil rights, and American civilians have been killed. She needs to resign or be fired. If that doesn’t happen, I support moving forward with impeachment proceedings.”
Rep. Dave Min, D-Irvine: “Secretary Noem has repeatedly ignored or lied about well-documented incidents of misconduct committed by DHS personnel (including ICE agents), including the murders of Renee Good and Alex Pretti. This complete lack of any accountability has created a culture of violence and lawlessness at DHS. There are literally hundreds, perhaps thousands, of clearly documented incidents of masked DHS agents committing assault against peaceful Americans. Secretary Noem has not only displayed a complete contempt for the rule of law, including refusing to respond to multiple oversight requests I and my colleagues have sent to her and her office, I believe she has also knowingly covered up crimes committed by DHS and ICE agents, and that a criminal investigation into her actions is merited. I have zero confidence in her, and if she is not removed from her office, I will push for her impeachment in Congress. I went to Minnesota to conduct oversight, and the protests there reflect the same anger and frustration I hear from folks in Orange County. Across the country, people are fed up with these gross displays of violence. I want our borders protected from terrorists and criminals but DHS’s operations throughout the country are an affront to our shared American values and the foundational principles of our Constitution and our rule of law. ICE cannot continue to operate in its current form.”
Rep. Laura Friedman, D-Glendale: “DHS leadership, including Secretary Noem and Border Patrol Commander Greg Bovino, have consistently lied about the killings in Minneapolis. They have smeared the victims and their families and gone out of their way to label them domestic terrorists without any evidence. The Trump administration has declared that 16 DHS shootings since July were justified before any probes were completed. They have instructed Department of Justice officials to dig up dirt on the victims and their families in an attempt to smear their names. That is unacceptable. If a local police chief here in Los Angeles acted the way that Kristi Noem is acting, I’d be fighting to make sure that they were out of their job before the sun sets. We should demand better behavior from our officials.”