Padilla Statement on Firing of Kristi Noem

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, issued the following statement after President Trump announced that he would fire Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem and nominate Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) to replace her:

"It's about time. Kristi Noem's tenure was a complete failure and she never should have been confirmed in the first place. But make no mistake: a new secretary doesn't change the need for serious reforms at DHS and doesn't undo the cruelty and terror the agency has unleashed on our communities at the direction of Donald Trump. We still need a full overhaul of ICE and CBP to ensure these agencies enforce our immigration laws in a way that reflects our values, doesn't tear families apart, respects civil rights, and upholds the Constitution."

Earlier this week, Padilla questioned DHS Secretary Noem on the Trump Administration's cruel mass deportation and detention campaign, attacks on legal immigration, and efforts to meddle in the upcoming 2026 midterm elections. Padilla called on Noem to resign, be fired, or be impeached by the House for her failed leadership of the Department. He also joined a press conference after the hearing to stand by three U.S. citizens who were assaulted and detained by DHS officers and agents.

Padilla has consistently voted against funding ICE and CBP's lawless and reckless actions under President Trump.

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