Kristi Noem meets with Democratic lawmaker in 'combative' meeting about ICE conduct [View all]

Source: The Guardian

Thu 26 Feb 2026 13.14 EST
Last modified on Thu 26 Feb 2026 13.53 EST


The US congresswoman Delia Ramirez, one of the most vocal pro-immigrant national lawmakers, pressed for the secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Kristi Noem, to resign during a “combative” closed-door meeting between the two on Wednesday, according to a Guardian interview with the representative and a follow-up letter submitted to Noem.

The meeting was the first one-on-one private meeting that Noem has had with a Democratic member of Congress since her tenure at the top of the DHS began last year. Ramirez, a Democrat representing Illinois, has repeatedly called for Noem’s resignation throughout the second Trump administration and also took the first steps last month for Noem’s impeachment.

Ramirez said on Wednesday that the meeting in Washington DC earlier in the day turned “combative” after she brought up various criticisms of the DHS, including giving examples of its officers’ use of force against immigrants and protesters, lack of due process for people arrested, and violations of court orders. Noem started “playing dumb”, Ramirez said in an interview with the Guardian by phone.

“I needed to look at evil in the eye and make sure she understood that I will continue to work and ensure she no longer leads the department,” Ramirez said.

Read more: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/26/kristi-noem-ice-meeting-delia-ramirez