Kristi Noem DHS Firing Celebrated by Minnesota Activists
Minnesota activists welcomed the Kristi Noem DHS firing, saying her removal as Secretary of Homeland Security reflects months of protests and organizing across the state. Community leaders gathered outside the Minneapolis federal courthouse to celebrate the development while warning that accountability and justice efforts are far from over.
News that Kristi Noem was removed from her position as secretary of the Department of Homeland Security was met with celebration from many activists in Minnesota.
Community leaders, including civil rights attorney Nekima Levy Armstrong, held a press conference March 6 where they welcomed Noem’s removal as a victory for protesters in Minnesota while warning that the broader fight over immigration enforcement is far from over.
“What we saw here in Minnesota was a tragedy,” Jaylani Hussein, executive director of CAIR Minnesota, said during the press conference at the Minneapolis federal courthouse. “That tragedy continues today because the justice system in this country under this administration has failed to uphold any serious level of accountability for the officers who have targeted our community.”
Noem recently came under scrutiny in Congress, where several senators questioned her leadership of DHS and federal immigration enforcement activity in Minnesota. Civil rights activists say the backlash to those actions — combined with months of protests — contributed to the pressure surrounding her departure.
“That wouldn’t have happened without the people of Minnesota rising up. And so, yes, this is a moment to celebrate,” Armstrong said. “I know that some people are worried about the next appointee of the Trump administration to oversee the Department of Homeland Security, and there’s good reason to be worried about the next appointee, because many of us feel that all of the Cabinet members, or at least the vast majority, are corrupt in one way or another.”
Armstrong was among the protesters arrested and targeted by the Department of Justice for her involvement in demonstrations connected to Cities Church. According to DOJ records, 39 people have been arrested in connection with the protest that called out David Easterwood, the head pastor of the church who also serves as field director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Minnesota.
Those arrested include veteran William Kelly, activist Chauntyll Allen and independent journalist Georgia Fort.
Armstrong said she was also targeted by Noem’s Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, who shared an AI-generated image of Armstrong shortly after her arrest. Armstrong described the actions by DHS and Noem as “despicable and disgusting.”
“It shows that she lacks credibility, and it shows that she is comfortable engaging in bullying when she thinks that she’s more powerful,” Armstrong said. “What you’ve seen from me is continuing to stand tall and firm in the spirit of my ancestors and fighting back against the evil that has been levied against people in the state of Minnesota. I am undeterred by these childish antics.”
President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that Noem would move to a newly created role as special envoy for the Shield of the Americas. He also nominated Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin, a former mixed martial arts fighter, to replace her as DHS secretary.
Activists expressed concern about the nomination, questioning Mullin’s qualifications and pointing to past confrontations during Senate hearings.
“There’s a viral video about him where he, as a senator, calls out a witness and is telling him, ‘Let’s square up in a fight,’” Hussein said. “This is someone who does not belong in a secretary role, especially at the level of protecting American citizens from harm.”
Like Noem, Mullin does not have a background in national security, law enforcement or the military, which activists say is unusual for someone leading DHS.
“The majority of previous DHS leaders do have some type of law enforcement background or a military background or something that qualifies them for the position, not to mention an advanced degree or a law degree,” Armstrong said. “Kristi Noem had a bachelor’s degree. Beyond that, she was not qualified for the position, which, on some level, is hilarious because of all the attacks against diversity, equity and inclusion.”
Izzy Canizares is a freelance journalist and contributing writer for the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder