‘Lie Under Oath’: Calls Grow for Kristi Noem to Resign

Kristi Noem delivering remarks

Rep. Delia Ramirez (D-IL) is pushing for Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s resignation due to her management of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and enforcement of anti-immigrant policies. During a hearing, Ramirez criticized Noem’s actions and questioned her adherence to constitutional principles. The hearing has since sparked intense scrutiny of Noem's practices and raised concerns over the impact of her policies.

We take a closer look at Ramirez's push in this photo gallery.

Delia Ramirez takes part in a press conference at the DNC headquarters

Ramirez said, "For weeks and weeks we've been waiting for Secretary Noem to come before our committee. I'm not going to sit there and just let her lie under oath about all the horrifying things that she's doing... I say enough is enough, and in just a few minutes, I'm going to say that to her face, because it's about damn time that person, that secretary, resigns."

Representative Delia Ramirez (D-IL) speaking at the U.S. Capitol

Ramirez added, "You closed offices established in law, including the Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, the Office of the Immigration Detention Ombudsman, and the Office of the Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman."

Rep. Seth Magaziner (D-RI)

Rep. Seth Magaziner (D-RI) joined the criticism, alleging that Noem has deported vulnerable individuals. Magaziner said, "You are deporting children with cancer, children who are U.S. citizens, a gay makeup artist who committed no crime and didn't even enter the country illegally."

Seth Magaziner at early polls in Cranston

The hearing featured exchanges about allegations of unlawful DHS practices. Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) presented a controversial photograph linked to an individual in custody, but Noem declined to comment on its authenticity.

Delia Ramirez at the Democratic National Committee Headquarters

During the hearing, Ramirez challenged Noem on constitutional principles, questioning her adherence to judicial and legislative authority. She pointed out actions taken by Noem that undermine the rule of law.

Delia Ramirez speaking during a news conference

Ramirez said, "We don't live in a dictatorship or a monarchy. Trump's will is not the guiding doctrine of the nation, and our country is not a playground for his and your twisted authoritarian fantasies."

Surrounded by family members and supporters, Donald Trump makes his acceptance speech

Ramirez added, "YOU have betrayed the sacred fundamentals of your oath; YOU are not fit to hold the office, and I, again—to your face—demand your resignation and place that request on the record."

Kristi Noem speaks during a Trump rally

Noem defended her agency’s actions, claiming compliance with the laws of checks and balances and asserting her complete control over the southern border. Noem said, "We truly don't have any idea how many dangerous individuals are still in the United States of America. Since President Trump has been in office, just in these few short months, we have deported over 250 known terrorists out of the country."

Donald J. Trump signs an official nomination document along with Melania Trump

Noem suggested that President Trump has the authority to suspend habeas corpus, a notion that raised alarm among lawmakers and rights advocates who stress the importance of civil liberties.

Kristi Noem delivering speech at RNC

Noem said, "Well, this is something that's not in my purview to weigh in on. This is the president's prerogative, and he has not indicated that they will or will not be taking action."

Grace Hall covers U.S. politics & news for content partner Modern Newsstand LLC.