Noem Storms Out of Hearing, Refuses to Answer Johnson’s Questions

WASHINGTON, DC - As ICE continues detaining American citizens and operating unchecked in cities like Dallas, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stormed out of a House Homeland Security Committee hearing rather than answer Congresswoman Julie Johnson's questions about ICE's misconduct and her failure to rein in her own agents.

"ICE is detaining American citizens, operating without accountability, and denying due process rights to people in communities like Dallas, yet Secretary Noem refused to answer even the most basic questions about this unconstitutional misconduct," said Johnson. "Instead of providing transparency, she walked out of a congressional hearing - abandoning her responsibility to the American people and dodging oversight in real time. The American public is outraged by what the Trump Administration is doing to use violence against American citizens, rip apart families, and terrorize neighborhoods. We deserve a Homeland Security Secretary who will face tough questions and confront abuses of power - not one who runs from the room when accountability comes calling."

Noem claimed she left the hearing for a scheduled meeting - but subsequent reporting shows that meeting was canceled.

Johnson has been a relentless advocate for accountability from ICE and the Department of Homeland Security, directly challenging Secretary Noem and her department for denying due process and violating constitutional rights. In September, Johnson visited Texas's Bluebonnet Detention Center, where she witnessed firsthand the treatment of detainees and spoke with individuals being held despite not having committed any crimes.

To watch Johnson's full remarks during the hearing, click here.

Congresswoman Julie Johnson represents Texas's 32nd Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives, serving on the Homeland Security Committee, Foreign Affairs Committee, and the House Administration Committee. Her district includes parts of Collin, Dallas, and Denton Counties.

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