Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont has called for the immediate resignation of prominent officials within the Department of Homeland Security, specifically directing criticism toward Kristi Noem and Stephen Miller. Sanders' call to action follows a series of events where Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other federal agents have come under scrutiny for alleged infringement on constitutional rights during operations in multiple American cities.
In a recent post on X, Sanders did not hold back his demand, stating plainly that "Kristi Noem AND Stephen Miller must go." Accompanying his post was a video clip in which Sanders articulated his condemnation of the federal immigration enforcement measures, declaring that the United States must never condone situations where federal agents execute citizens in cold blood, forcibly enter homes to conduct arrests, or detain young children, all actions he highlighted as clear constitutional violations.
Sanders specifically mentioned federal immigration operations in Minneapolis and Maine, condemning the presence and conduct of ICE agents in these areas. He described the situation as a "domestic military force occupying a military occupation of one of our great American cities," accusing the agents of engaging in terrorizing behavior that disrupts the lives of the local population. Highlighting the seriousness of this issue, Sanders called for an immediate withdrawal of ICE personnel from Minneapolis and Maine.
Furthermore, Sanders demanded a complete halt in federal funding to ICE and Customs and Border Patrol in absence of fundamental reforms. His statement, "Not another penny should be given to ICE or Customs and Border Patrol, unless there are fundamental reforms in how those agencies function," underscores the urgency he places on structural policy changes to these agencies, which he and others view as having currently overstepped their mandates.
This stance has found resonance among other leaders from the Democratic Party who are increasingly vocal about the future direction and oversight of the Department of Homeland Security. Following recent tragic incidents involving federal immigration officers leading to the deaths of two American citizens, calls for accountability within DHS structures have amplified.
Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona has publicly expressed his refusal to back the DHS budget without substantial changes, aligning himself with the call for the resignation of Noem and Miller. Kelly emphasized the need for reforms designed to impose firmer controls over ICE operations.
Governor J.B. Pritzker of Illinois has joined the chorus, demanding not only accountability but also the resignation of Kristi Noem, Stephen Miller, and Greg Bovino. The pressure on DHS leadership stems from widespread concerns over policy implementation and enforcement tactics under their purview.
Echoing these sentiments, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer labeled Noem as incompetent, advocating for her and Miller's removal to restore integrity and accountability within federal immigration agencies.
Moreover, Senator Catherine Cortez Masto from Nevada criticized the actions and policies shaped by Noem, Miller, and then-President Donald Trump. She accused them of enabling abuses that affect U.S. citizens and immigrants alike. Her remarks called for reinforcement of constitutional rights protections and establishment of public safety standards to mitigate abuses.
Meanwhile, Senator Tina Smith of Minnesota underlined the complexity of the issues, asserting that leadership changes, while necessary, are insufficient on their own to fix ICE. She called upon Congress to engage in proactive measures to address systemic problems, again naming Noem, Miller, and Bovino as leaders whose departures are necessary components of reform.
Additionally, the situation has drawn commentary from former President Donald Trump, who indicated he was reviewing the conduct of federal officers involved in Minneapolis operations. Trump suggested the possibility of withdrawing federal agents eventually while expressing criticism of the protester killed in the episode. His statements also praised the efforts of the officers and encouraged cooperation from local officials with federal immigration enforcement, alongside his advocacy for ending sanctuary city policies.
The ongoing debate highlights increasing tensions surrounding immigration enforcement strategies in the United States, the role of federal agencies in local jurisdictions, and the protection of constitutional rights. Sanders’ demands echo a broader call within political circles for reform, leadership accountability, and a reconsideration of budget allocations to immigration enforcement bodies.