2025 – Kristi Noem warns that alleged DHS leakers could face up to ten‑year prison terms and rolls out expanded leak‑detection tactics, including polygraph testing and staffing changes at ICE, setting a hard‑line stance on internal disclosures [2].

2025 – Noem publicly claims an “8,000% increase” in death threats against immigration agents, amplifying the administration’s narrative of heightened danger for border officials [2].

Jan 7, 2026 – Renee Nicole Good, 37, dies after being shot by federal agents during an immigration‑enforcement operation in Minneapolis, sparking bipartisan criticism of DHS tactics [3].

Jan 27, 2026 – Alex Pretti, 37, is killed in a fatal encounter with Customs and Border Protection agents in Minneapolis; a DHS report later confirms two officers fire a Glock 19 and a Glock 47, with one shouting “He’s got a gun!” before shooting [1].

Jan 27, 2026 – President Donald Trump says he will “de‑escalate” the situation in Minnesota, contradicting senior officials by stating he does not believe Alex Pretti was an “assassin” and pledges cooperation with state leaders [1].

Jan 27, 2026 – White House border czar Tom Homan meets Governor Tim Walz, Mayor Jacob Frey, and Police Chief Brian O’Hara, calling the dialogue “a productive starting point” for law‑enforcement coordination [1].

Jan 27, 2026 – Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar is sprayed with a chemical agent at a Minneapolis town‑hall meeting after urging ICE abolition; security detains the assailant [1].

Jan 27, 2026 – A federal judge blocks the imminent deportation of 5‑year‑old Liam Conejo Ramos and his father, halting a Texas detention removal attempt [1].

Jan 27, 2026 – Republican Senators Thom Tillis and Lisa Murkowski publicly demand DHS Secretary Kristi Noem resign, with Tillis saying “I think she should go” and Murkowski adding “it’s probably time” [4].

Jan 28, 2026 – GOP senators label Noem’s handling of the Minnesota operation “amateurish,” say it disqualifies her from leading DHS, and Vice President JD Vance repeats the “assassin” label for Pretti, intensifying calls for her resignation [4].

Jan 29, 2026 – Senator Thom Tillis attacks Noem and Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller on X, accusing them of “incompetence” after President Trump calls Tillis a “loser” and Murkowski a “loser” in an ABC interview, heightening intra‑Republican criticism [3].

Jan 29, 2026 – Democrats move to block a DHS funding bill in response to the Minneapolis shootings, while Senator John Fetterman urges President Trump to fire Noem, reflecting growing congressional pressure [3].

Jan 29, 2026 – White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defends Miller as “one of President Trump’s most trusted and longest‑serving aides,” and Trump reiterates that Noem is doing a “very good job” and that the border is “totally secure” [3].

Feb 4, 2026 – DHS Secretary Kristi Noem announces on X that the department has identified “another prolific leaker” who supplied information to Daily Mail journalist Shawn Cohen and says she will refer the source to the DOJ for felony prosecution, withholding the leaker’s name [2].

Feb 4, 2026 – Lawmakers from both parties call for Noem’s resignation after the fatal Minnesota shootings, linking the new leaker case to broader concerns about DHS transparency and accountability [2].