Kristi Noem hearing

The Kristi Noem hearing on Capitol Hill took a dramatic and unexpected turn on Thursday when protesters shouted the famous line from The Exorcist — “The power of Christ compels you!” — interrupting the homeland security secretary during her opening remarks. The unusual demonstration, which quickly went viral online, highlighted the growing tensions surrounding the Trump administration’s escalating immigration crackdown and the Department of Homeland Security’s expanded enforcement tactics.

A Protest Straight Out of a Horror Movie

As Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem began her testimony before the House Homeland Security Committee, a protester stood up and yelled:
“Stop ICE raids! The power of Christ compels you! End deportations, the power of Christ compels you!”

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The phrase, made famous by the 1973 horror classic The Exorcist, turned a routine congressional hearing into a moment of political theater. The protester held signs reading “Stop ICE Raids” and “CodePink,” referencing the well-known anti-war and human rights advocacy group.

Capitol police removed the individual swiftly, but moments later another protester rose to continue the disruption. This second demonstrator held a poster with the message: “No ICE, No Troops!” and shouted, “Get ICE off our streets! Stop terrorizing our communities!”

Noem reacted with a tight smile as police escorted the demonstrators out. The interruptions demonstrated the level of public anger now directed at DHS and its increasingly aggressive enforcement efforts — a central theme of the Kristi Noem hearing.

Democrats Intensify Pressure on Kristi Noem

The protests were only the beginning of a contentious session. Democrats on the committee used the opportunity to escalate their calls for Noem’s resignation. Ranking Member Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.) delivered a pointed rebuke, declaring:

“Rather than wasting your time and ours with more corruption, lies and lawlessness, I call on you to resign. Do a real service to the country and just resign — that is, if President Trump doesn’t fire you first.”

Democrats accuse Noem of mismanagement, politicization of DHS operations, and failure to adhere to congressional oversight. They also highlighted a controversial $220 million contract awarded to a firm allegedly connected to the spouse of DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin, suggesting cronyism and unethical behavior.

These allegations, combined with public backlash over immigration enforcement tactics in major U.S. cities, have placed Noem in one of the most precarious positions of any member of President Trump’s cabinet.

Noem Defends DHS and ICE Actions

Throughout the Kristi Noem hearing, the secretary remained firmly defensive. She praised the Trump administration’s approach to immigration enforcement, arguing it has restored order and safety.

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“Under President Trump’s leadership, DHS is securing our borders, we’re restoring the rule of law, and we’re protecting the homeland,” she said. “We have sent a strong message to criminal illegal aliens that we will find you, we will arrest you, and we will deport you.”

Noem cited an increase in “voluntary departures” as proof that the administration’s policies are successfully deterring undocumented immigration.

She also expressed deep frustration with what she described as unfair attacks against immigration officers, saying Democrats were demonizing ICE agents and endangering them and their families.

Rising Anger Over ICE Tactics

The protests during the hearing underscored deep national divisions over how immigration enforcement should be conducted. Critics have condemned DHS for deploying military-grade hardware — including armored vehicles and flash-bang grenades — in civilian neighborhoods during immigrant apprehension operations.

Other controversial tactics include the reported use of smartwatches to track pregnant immigrants, even during labor. Earlier this week, DHS also confirmed a new multi-million-dollar contract to purchase six Boeing 737 aircraft for mass deportation flights, reinforcing Trump’s promise to carry out the “largest deportation operation in American history.”

These developments have fueled humanitarian concerns and sparked protest movements across the country, as reflected in the Kristi Noem hearing disruptions.

Democrats Confront Noem With Real Cases

Several lawmakers used the hearing to showcase individual examples of alleged DHS misconduct. Rep. Seth Magaziner (D-R.I.) highlighted the deportation of a Korean-born U.S. Marine veteran who served in the Panama invasion. The Marine, deported because of drug-related charges from the 1990s, joined the hearing via livestream held up by Magaziner’s staff.

“These people are not the worst of the worst,” Magaziner argued. “You don’t seem to know how to tell the difference between the good guys and the bad guys.”

Rep. Lou Correa (D-Calif.) raised additional cases involving U.S. citizens or legal residents allegedly swept up in immigration raids or detained without proper due process.

Noem pledged to review the highlighted cases but argued that DHS cannot and should not differentiate between levels of criminal offenses when enforcing immigration law. She insisted her role requires uniform application of statutory requirements.

“You have broad discretion as the secretary,” Magaziner pushed back, sparking one of the hearing’s most heated moments.

Republicans Rally Behind Noem — With Some Concerns

Republicans largely defended Noem, echoing her claims of improved border security and reduced drug trafficking. Committee Chairman Andrew Garbarino (R-N.Y.) praised DHS efforts, saying:

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“The border is secure, the flow of drugs is slowing, and violent criminals are being taken off the streets.”

However, several GOP lawmakers pressed Noem on budget and oversight concerns, particularly surrounding a controversial decision to cut counterterrorism grants to New York — a move President Trump reversed following bipartisan pressure.

A Defiant Noem Leaves Early

In an unusual move, Noem exited before the hearing concluded, citing an urgent FEMA-related meeting. Her early departure was criticized by Democrats, who argued it reflected the department’s lack of transparency and accountability.

Conclusion

The Kristi Noem hearing laid bare the intensifying national divide over immigration enforcement. From Exorcist-themed protests to fiery partisan clashes, the event underscored the deep frustration felt by activists, lawmakers, and communities impacted by DHS policies. While Noem remains defiant and the Trump administration continues expanding deportation operations, demands for oversight, restraint, and reform are growing louder on Capitol Hill.