In her first appearance before the House Appropriations Committee as Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem faced a barrage of partisan attacks and political theater — and calmly dismantled both.
In a tense, headline-grabbing hearing, Noem fielded aggressive questioning from Democrats eager to paint the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement as inhumane, while also batting away Republican pleas for expanded migrant labor programs. Throughout, Noem stayed composed, firm, and laser-focused on the rule of law.
UNDERWOOD: Do you believe that the US government has the authority to deport American citizens
NOEM: No, and we are not deporting US citizens
UNDERWOOD: Several American citizens have been deported pic.twitter.com/LVxkURXOIk
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) May 6, 2025
Democrats tried to make waves by pushing the narrative that American citizens, including children, are being deported under Trump’s immigration policies. Rep. Lauren Underwood (D-IL) kicked off the line of attack, asking if Noem believed the federal government had the authority to deport U.S. citizens.
“No, and we are not deporting citizens,” Noem answered succinctly — without glancing at notes.
When Underwood tried to interrupt and declare her statement wasn’t a question, Noem calmly interjected again: “They have not, that is not true.”
Democrats cited media reports about citizen children being “swept up” in deportations, but Noem clarified what is actually happening: illegal migrant parents voluntarily take their U.S.-born children with them when deported — a legal and logistical choice that the government cannot override without separating families.
“It is our policy to keep families together,” Noem reminded Rep. Veronica Escobar (D-TX), who continued to cite vague claims about deported children.
Despite viral posts from progressive groups like Occupy Democrats proclaiming a “faceplant,” Noem delivered confident, fact-based answers — even as Democrats attempted to interrupt or frame their talking points as rhetorical dead-ends.
.@Sec_Noem completely destroys @RepEscobar for pushing the Fake News that the Trump administration deported U.S. citizen children:
“The specific cases that you’re referencing with these children, it was the parents’ choice to take their children, which it is the policy of the… pic.twitter.com/5CS6ScUVjb
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) May 6, 2025
Noem also faced resistance from pro-business Republicans who advocated for importing more foreign labor through guest worker programs like H-2A. But she didn’t flinch there either.
Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA), himself an orchard owner, urged Noem to expand access to foreign farmworkers. Her response was measured, but firm:
“Migrants don’t get to come into this country and have the law apply to some people and not others. The scales of justice should apply equally.”
She reminded lawmakers that Congress holds the pen on visa numbers — a subtle yet sharp way of saying: If you want changes, do your job.
Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ) echoed Newhouse’s request, but even he had to concede that Noem’s message was clear and unflinching:
“You’re doing a masterful job,” he admitted.
Noem’s appearance highlighted a key contrast in the immigration debate: Democrats’ emotional appeals vs. Noem’s law-and-order clarity, and business-first Republicans’ labor demands vs. a Trump administration focused on American jobs and secure borders.
“Congresswoman, we still have claims open from Hurricane Katrina.” @Sec_Noem
The American people need action – not red tape. We are fixing a broken system and returning power to state emergency managers to make America safe again. pic.twitter.com/9RwTOpJz35
— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) May 6, 2025
Her stance aligns with Trump’s broader immigration reset — halting the outsourcing of American wages and opportunity through legal loopholes, while also confronting border chaos created by lax enforcement and sanctuary policies.
