At DHS hearing, Democrats press Noem; Thompson later says he misspoke on 'unfortunate accident' remark
At a Dec. 11 House Homeland Security Committee hearing, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem was sharply pressed by Democrats — including Rep. Bennie Thompson, who urged her to resign — over immigration policy, alleged unlawful deportations (including veterans), withheld grants and asylum vetting, as protesters briefly disrupted testimony and Noem defended DHS as combating transnational crime while calling the D.C. National Guard shooting a “terrorist attack.” Thompson, who during the session called the shooting an “unfortunate accident,” later told CNN he “misspoke,” saying he did not stand by that phrasing and meant to challenge Noem’s assertions about who approved the suspect’s asylum application.
📌 Key Facts
- On Dec. 11 at 10 a.m. EST DHS Secretary Kristi Noem testified before the House Homeland Security Committee on global security threats, stressing border enforcement, transnational crime, drug flows and cyberattacks; it was her first congressional appearance since May.
- Democrats pressed Noem aggressively — Rep. Bennie Thompson publicly called for her resignation and accused her of diverting 'vast resources' to an 'extreme' immigration agenda, unlawful deportations, steering a $220 million contract to allies, and other alleged misconduct; members also raised the administration’s withholding of NYC security grants.
- A heated exchange centered on a recent National Guard shooting: Thompson called it an 'unfortunate accident' (he later told CNN he misspoke), Noem called it a 'terrorist attack,' and Thompson alleged DHS had approved the suspect’s asylum application while Noem said vetting occurred under the prior administration.
- Protesters repeatedly interrupted the hearing chanting anti‑ICE messages; two were escorted out by security, including one dressed as a priest carrying a crucifix who shouted 'End deportations!' and 'The power of Christ compels you!'
- Lawmakers confronted Noem about deportations they said targeted lawful residents and veterans: Rep. Seth Magaziner brought Sae Joon Park, a U.S. Army veteran who self‑deported after a removal order, into the hearing via Zoom; Noem said she would review the cases and maintained that 'no veterans have been deported.'
- Oversight and legal questions were highlighted: a federal judge is investigating whether Noem should face contempt charges over flights that transported migrants to El Salvador, and Democrats alleged erroneous detentions of U.S. citizens while DHS maintains agents do not target citizens.
- Background and agency resources: Congress in July provided DHS roughly $165 billion — including funding to hire 10,000 additional deportation officers, complete sections of the border wall and expand detention/removals — and Noem said DHS will invest about $1.5 billion in drone and counter‑drone technology to secure major 2026 events.
- Noem left the hearing early for a scheduled FEMA Review Council meeting; Thompson said the meeting was canceled, and DHS later said Noem learned of the cancellation 18 minutes after she departed.
📊 Relevant Data
Rahmanullah Lakanwal applied for asylum in December 2024 during the Biden administration and was granted asylum on April 23, 2025, during the Trump administration.
Officials criticize Biden vetting, but Afghan shooting suspect was granted asylum under Trump — Reuters
The Afghan immigrant population in the United States increased from approximately 54,000 in 2010 to 195,000 in 2022, representing about 0.4 percent of the total U.S. immigrant population of 46.2 million.
Afghan Immigrants in the United States — Migration Policy Institute
Immigrants have never been incarcerated at a greater rate than U.S.-born individuals over a 150-year period, indicating significantly lower incarceration rates for immigrants compared to native-born citizens.
Immigrants are significantly less likely to commit crimes than the U.S.-born — Congress.gov
Rahmanullah Lakanwal, the suspect in the National Guard shooting, worked with the CIA in Afghanistan prior to his resettlement in the United States.
National Guard shooting suspect worked with CIA in Afghanistan — BBC
📰 Sources (11)
Bennie Thompson says he misspoke after calling DC National Guard shooting an 'unfortunate accident'
New information:
- Rep. Bennie Thompson told CNN on Friday that he 'absolutely' does not stand by calling the D.C. National Guard shooting an 'unfortunate accident' and said he misspoke.
- Thompson said he intended to argue that Secretary Kristi Noem could not blame President Biden because, he claimed, Noem approved the suspect’s asylum application.
- The segment recaps the Thursday exchange where Noem insisted the shooting was a 'terrorist attack' and challenged Thompson’s phrasing.
Top 5 moments: Noem clashes with Dems in fiery hearing as drones, deportations erupt into flashpoints
New information:
- Noem said DHS will invest roughly $1.5 billion in drone and counter‑drone technology and mitigation measures under new NDAA authorities, partnering with cities and states.
- Noem emphasized working with the FAA and the need to “mitigate” and take down hostile drones, citing security concerns for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the Olympics.
- Rep. Seth Magaziner spotlighted the case of Sae Joon Park, a U.S. Army combat veteran (shot twice in Panama in 1989) and green‑card holder who self‑deported to Korea earlier this year after a removal order; his background (drug possession charge, failure to appear) was detailed.
- Noem left the hearing early for a scheduled FEMA meeting.
- Direct quotes from Rep. Bennie Thompson calling for Noem’s resignation, citing alleged unlawful deportations, grant withholdings, and detentions (matters currently in litigation).
Noem confronted by Democrats, including about allegedly removing veterans from U.S.
New information:
- Rep. Seth Magaziner confronted Noem with U.S. Army veteran Sae Joon Park on Zoom; Park self‑deported to South Korea in June after a removal order tied to 15‑year‑old drug and FTA charges.
- Noem stated that no veterans have been deported; Magaziner cited arrests of non‑criminals and even U.S. citizens to challenge DHS’s focus.
- Thompson alleged Noem steered a $220 million contract to allies to film her and accused her of living rent‑free in housing reserved for the Coast Guard’s top admiral.
- During questioning on the D.C. Guard shooting suspect, Thompson said 'Your DHS approved the asylum application'; Noem replied vetting occurred under the prior administration.
- Noem left the hearing around 12:08 p.m. for a FEMA Review Council meeting; Thompson said it was canceled, and DHS later said Noem learned of the cancellation at 12:26 p.m., 18 minutes after she left.
- Article reiterates DHS actions after the Nov. 26 attack: halting Afghan visa processing, freezing asylum decisions, and suspending entry for nationals from 19 countries of concern.
WATCH: Rep. Magaziner confronts Noem with deported U.S. military veteran on Zoom in hearing
New information:
- Rep. Seth Magaziner confronted DHS Secretary Kristi Noem with a deported U.S. combat veteran (a Purple Heart recipient) via live video during the hearing.
- Noem said she would review several deportation cases highlighted by Magaziner.
- Magaziner’s on‑record rebuke: “You don’t seem to know how to tell the difference between the good guys and the bad guys.”
- Democrats identified audience members they said had been deported or had family improperly treated by the immigration system.
Noem confronts Democrats over NYC crime, asylum abuses as members hurl accusations
New information:
- Rep. Tim Kennedy (D‑N.Y.) accused DHS Secretary Kristi Noem of cutting $134 million in NYC Urban Area Security Initiative funding and told her to resign.
- Noem countered that NYC leaders release criminals instead of turning them over to ICE and asserted New York had not spent the funds at issue.
- Fox reports a Manhattan federal judge ordered the administration to reinstate the withheld New York security funding in October.
- Rep. Dan Goldman (D‑N.Y.) pressed Noem on alleged deportations of migrants with pending asylum applications, arguing such removals would violate the law.
WATCH: Rep. Thompson calls on Noem to resign for ‘making America less safe’
New information:
- Rep. Bennie Thompson explicitly called on DHS Secretary Kristi Noem to resign during the Dec. 11 House Homeland Security hearing.
- Thompson accused Noem of diverting 'vast resources' to President Trump’s 'extreme' immigration agenda and failing to provide basic responses to congressional oversight.
- Direct quote from Thompson: “I call on you to resign. Do a real service to the country.”
Top Homeland Security Dem blasted for calling WV National Guard shooting ‘unfortunate accident’
New information:
- During the hearing, Rep. Bennie Thompson referred to the WV National Guard shooting as an 'unfortunate accident,' prompting DHS Secretary Kristi Noem to call it a 'terrorist attack.'
- Noem asserted the Biden administration failed annual asylum check‑ins and said Lakanwal was admitted under 'Allies Welcome/Refuge.'
- Thompson suggested the Trump administration approved Lakanwal’s asylum (citing CBS reporting) and warned Noem about potential perjury if her statements were false.
- Noem countered that vetting processes were set under Biden-era programs and reiterated that proper SIV standards were not followed.
Dem rep opens House hearing by telling Noem to resign in fiery statement
New information:
- Ranking Member Rep. Bennie Thompson used his opening statement to call on DHS Secretary Kristi Noem to resign, alleging she dismantled DHS and violated the law.
- Multiple protesters interrupted the hearing chanting anti-ICE messages; they were escorted out by Capitol Police and detained outside the room.
- Noem responded with prepared remarks defending DHS, saying the department is eradicating transnational organized crime, stopping drug flows, ending illegal immigration, and defending against cyberattacks.
- Noem warned of elevated risks to major 2026 U.S. events (World Cup and the nation’s 250th birthday) and said DHS is using every tool to secure them.
- Context noted that President Trump publicly dismissed rumors he would replace Noem, calling her 'fantastic'; Noem told Fox News she continues to serve at his pleasure.
Chaos erupts at Noem hearing as anti-ICE protesters interrupt testimony: 'The power of Christ compels you!'
New information:
- Two protesters interrupted DHS Secretary Kristi Noem’s opening remarks at the House Homeland Security Committee hearing, shouting anti-ICE messages; both were escorted out by security.
- One protester, dressed as a priest carrying a crucifix, shouted “End deportations!” and “The power of Christ compels you!” before removal.
- Noem’s opening statement emphasized border enforcement under the Trump administration and efforts to combat transnational crime and illegal immigration.
- National Counterterrorism Center Director Joe Kent told the committee the top threat is not knowing who entered the U.S. during the prior four years.
- Article reiterates DHS tracking that over two million illegal immigrants have been deported under the current administration.
WATCH LIVE: Noem testifies on global security threats to the U.S. in House hearing
New information:
- The hearing begins at 10 a.m. EST on Dec. 11; Noem last appeared in Congress in May.
- Congress in July gave DHS roughly $165 billion, including funds to hire 10,000 more deportation officers, complete sections of the border wall, and expand detention and removals.
- A federal judge is investigating whether Noem should face a contempt charge over flights carrying migrants to El Salvador.
- PBS/AP highlights mounting clashes around DHS immigration operations in cities like Los Angeles and Chicago.
- DHS says agents do not target U.S. citizens for immigration violations but acknowledges arrests of Americans for allegedly interfering in operations, while Democrats allege erroneous citizen detentions.