Congresswoman Delia Ramirez has taken aim at Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, calling her "a liar" in a House hearing that showcased a deep divide between lawmakers and Trump administration officials. Ramirez's comments came on the heels of her letter to the House Judiciary Committee requesting an investigation into Noem's "unlawful and potentially impeachable actions."
Noem has been accused by Ramirez of misleading the public about immigration policies, including claims that no US citizens have been arrested or detained. However, Ramirez pointed out that a ProPublica story reported over 170 US citizens had been held by immigration agents.
Ramirez's criticism was not limited to Noem; she also questioned whether Trump's troop deployments were constitutional. The senator asked if National Guard members would receive legal protection if they intervened to stop federal agents from harming civilians, citing the lack of protections for uniformed service members in such situations.
In contrast, Ramirez has called on Noem to resign or face impeachment over her handling of immigration policy and what she sees as a disregard for Congress's authority. Noem responded that she was abiding by all federal judges' orders but did not directly address Ramirez's allegations.
The Senate Armed Services Committee also held a hearing with Trump administration officials, where Sen. Tammy Duckworth questioned the constitutionality of domestic deployments of American military troops. Duckworth expressed her concern over the lack of protections for National Guard members who intervene to stop federal agents from harming civilians and noted that she had secured the hearing after blocking expedited passage of the National Defense Authorization Act.
The differing views highlight the deep divisions within Congress on issues related to immigration policy, national security, and the Trump administration's actions.
Noem has been accused by Ramirez of misleading the public about immigration policies, including claims that no US citizens have been arrested or detained. However, Ramirez pointed out that a ProPublica story reported over 170 US citizens had been held by immigration agents.
Ramirez's criticism was not limited to Noem; she also questioned whether Trump's troop deployments were constitutional. The senator asked if National Guard members would receive legal protection if they intervened to stop federal agents from harming civilians, citing the lack of protections for uniformed service members in such situations.
In contrast, Ramirez has called on Noem to resign or face impeachment over her handling of immigration policy and what she sees as a disregard for Congress's authority. Noem responded that she was abiding by all federal judges' orders but did not directly address Ramirez's allegations.
The Senate Armed Services Committee also held a hearing with Trump administration officials, where Sen. Tammy Duckworth questioned the constitutionality of domestic deployments of American military troops. Duckworth expressed her concern over the lack of protections for National Guard members who intervene to stop federal agents from harming civilians and noted that she had secured the hearing after blocking expedited passage of the National Defense Authorization Act.
The differing views highlight the deep divisions within Congress on issues related to immigration policy, national security, and the Trump administration's actions.