California Democrat says Noem ouster is proof DHS shutdown is 'working'

Source: Yahoo! News/The Hill

Fri, March 6, 2026 at 5:04 PM EST


Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Calif.) on Friday pointed to the firing of Kristi Noem as proof that the shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was “working,” insisting it would not persuade Democrats to drop their demands for Republicans to rein in immigration enforcement operations.

Kamlager-Dove told anchor Audie Cornish on “CNN This Morning” that Noem’s ouster marked an important step, but Democrats’ frustration with the agency extended beyond a single individual. “Leadership change is important in DHS, but ultimately the values that we’ve put forth have really nothing to do with her,” she argued. “It has more to do with how Donald Trump, right, wants DHS to be run.”

President Trump announced Thursday that he was nominating Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) to replace Noem, a decision that came as the department’s funding stalemate nears its fourth week. That same day, Senate Democrats again blocked a bill to fund DHS through the end of the year, as leaders from both parties indicated little progress had been made in negotiations. Sen. John Fetterman (Pa.) was the only Democrat to join with Republicans in voting for the measure.

Democrats are pressing for systemic changes within DHS, specifically Immigration and Customs Enforcement, such as tighter warrant requirements, the adoption of a standardized use of force policy and a ban on officers wearing masks while conducting enforcement.

Read more: https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/california-democrat-says-noem-ouster-220413041.html?fr=sycsrp_catchall