Raskin Accuses Noem of Cover-Up in Shooting Deaths & Misusing DHS Funds | Jamie Raskin, Kristi Noem, Homeland Security

Washington D.C. – Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem faced a second day of intense scrutiny on Capitol Hill Wednesday, defending her department’s immigration enforcement policies and responding to accusations of a cover-up related to the fatal shootings of two U.S. Citizens in Minneapolis earlier this year. The hearings, occurring as parts of the Department of Homeland Security remain partially shut down due to a congressional funding dispute, centered on the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, and Noem’s initial characterization of them as “domestic terrorists.”

The latest round of questioning came before the House Judiciary Committee, following a contentious hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday. Democrats, led by Representative Jamie Raskin of Maryland, aggressively challenged Noem’s handling of the incidents, alleging a deliberate effort to deflect blame and obstruct investigations. The core of the dispute revolves around the circumstances surrounding the shootings and Noem’s subsequent public statements, which critics claim were inflammatory and lacked factual basis. This ongoing debate highlights the deeply polarized atmosphere surrounding immigration enforcement and the delicate balance between national security and civil liberties.

Fatal Shootings and Initial Reactions

Renee Good, 30, was shot and killed by an ICE agent on January 7th during an immigration operation near 34th and Portland Avenue in Minneapolis. According to reports, Good was instructed by federal authorities to exit her vehicle, but instead attempted to drive away. An ICE agent fired multiple shots, fearing for their life. FOX 9 reported that approximately 650 federal agents remain in Minnesota, largely focused on investigating Medicaid fraud.

Just over two weeks later, on January 24th, Alex Pretti, 36, was fatally shot after a struggle with Border Patrol agents while filming an ongoing immigration enforcement operation. Pretti was reportedly attempting to assist a woman who had fallen after being pushed to the ground by agents. During the ensuing struggle, Pretti was shot multiple times. Federal authorities recovered a weapon from his waistband. The same FOX 9 report details these events.

Immediately following the shootings, Noem publicly referred to both Good and Pretti as “domestic terrorists.” This characterization drew immediate condemnation from civil rights groups and prompted calls for an independent investigation. The shootings as well sparked several days of anti-ICE protests in Minneapolis.

Raskin’s Scrutiny and Allegations of a Cover-Up

Representative Raskin led the charge during Wednesday’s House hearing, directly confronting Noem over her initial statements and accusing her of launching a “smear campaign” against Good and Pretti. He asserted that Noem provided no evidence to support her claims of domestic terrorism. “You provided no evidence to back up your defamatory lie against either of these American citizens,” Raskin stated, according to reports.

Raskin further alleged that Noem obstructed local investigations into the shootings by barring Minnesota investigators from accessing crime scenes and evidence. He suggested this action indicated a potential cover-up, questioning who the “real domestic terrorists” were. The Maryland Democrat also raised concerns about a more than $200 million advertising campaign undertaken by the DHS under Noem’s leadership, as well as other expenditures he characterized as lavish. He accused Noem of prioritizing personal benefits over her duties as head of Homeland Security.

“Secretary Noem, you’re flying high now — maybe even a little bit too close to the sun,” Raskin reportedly said. “But with all these free planes and houses and pilots, you’ve traveled a long distance from your actual job, and the things Try to be doing as head of Homeland Security.”

Noem’s Defense and Ongoing Investigations

Noem defended her actions, reiterating that the shootings occurred during “violent protests and chaotic scenes” related to immigration operations. She maintained that her initial comments were made in the context of a volatile situation and were intended to emphasize the dangers faced by federal agents. As reported by FOX 9, Noem stood by her comments during Tuesday’s Senate hearing, blaming the shootings on the surrounding unrest.

She also stated that three controversial incidents, including the death of a nearly blind Rohingya refugee in Buffalo, New York, are currently under review. USA Today reported that Nurul Amin Shah Alam, 56, died after being dropped off by Border Patrol agents at a closed coffee shop in freezing temperatures.

Noem emphasized that investigations into the shootings of Good and Pretti are ongoing, and she declined to offer further comment on the specifics of the cases. She repeatedly offered condolences to the families of the victims.

Partial Government Shutdown and Funding Dispute

The hearings took place against the backdrop of a partial government shutdown stemming from a congressional impasse over immigration enforcement funding. Democrats and some Republicans are advocating for changes to ICE practices, including a ban on plainclothes operations and a requirement for warrants before entering private residences. According to USA Today, the dispute centers on the tactics used by ICE and Border Patrol, with lawmakers questioning the agency’s authority and accountability.

The shutdown has significantly hampered the operations of the Department of Homeland Security, raising concerns about border security and immigration enforcement. The outcome of the funding negotiations remains uncertain, and the future of immigration policy in the United States hangs in the balance.

Key Takeaways

• Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem faced intense questioning from both Democratic and Republican lawmakers regarding the fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis.
• Representative Jamie Raskin accused Noem of launching a “smear campaign” against the victims and obstructing local investigations.
• The hearings occurred amid a partial government shutdown caused by a dispute over immigration enforcement funding.
• Investigations into the shootings are ongoing, and Noem has defended her initial statements as being made in a volatile context.

The House Judiciary Committee is expected to continue its investigation into the matter, and further hearings are anticipated in the coming weeks. The Department of Homeland Security has pledged to cooperate fully with the investigation, but the controversy surrounding the shootings and Noem’s handling of the situation is likely to persist. The next scheduled update from the Department of Homeland Security regarding the investigation is expected on March 18th, 2026.

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