Republican Halts Kristi Noem’s Plans by Blocking All DHS Nominees Amid ICE Shooting
Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) has escalated his confrontation with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem by placing a blanket hold on all Department of Homeland Security nominees, insisting she testify before the Senate committee with oversight of the agency.
The North Carolina Republican’s move—intended to force accountability on issues ranging from disaster response delays to recent immigration enforcement controversies—threatens to paralyze key leadership confirmations at a critical time for the department.
Tillis confirmed the hold in an interview with Semafor’s Burgess Everett: “I’d simply like the Homeland Security Secretary to respond to what are now two requests by the chairman to come before the committee, and that’s the reason why I placed the blanket hold before the shooting yesterday on anything related to Homeland Security until such time as she does that.”
The senator emphasized the timing, noting the action predated the January 7 fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis, which has intensified scrutiny of DHS operations.
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Tillis’ Longstanding Frustrations with DHS and FEMA
Tillis, a moderate Republican navigating a competitive state, has been increasingly vocal about perceived shortcomings at DHS and its subsidiary, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
In October, he criticized delays in storm relief for North Carolina following devastating hurricanes: “I know that we’re going through a transformation at Homeland Security and in FEMA, but right now, we’re behind the eight ball on past storms, and we need to get their attention and cut through the red tape, get it done.”
His demand for Noem’s testimony reflects broader GOP concerns about communication and responsiveness from the secretary, who was appointed for her hardline stance on immigration and border security. Noem has declined multiple committee invitations, citing scheduling conflicts or ongoing operational demands.
The hold leverages Senate rules allowing individual senators to delay or block nominations, a tool often used for leverage on policy or oversight issues.
While Tillis stressed the hold was unrelated to the Good shooting, the incident has amplified calls for DHS accountability. Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, was killed when an ICE agent fired into her vehicle during an enforcement action.
DHS claimed self-defense, asserting Good “weaponized her vehicle,” but local officials, including Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, rejected the narrative as “bulls—.”
The shooting occurred amid a targeted operation against undocumented Somali immigrants in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, drawing protests and accusations of overreach.
Noem’s quick characterization of Good as a potential “domestic terrorist” further inflamed tensions, with critics arguing it prejudged the investigation.
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Tillis’ blanket hold freezes confirmations across DHS, affecting roles in immigration enforcement, cybersecurity, transportation security, and emergency management. With the department overseeing ambitious deportation goals and disaster response, delays could hamper implementation.
The move highlights limits to Trump’s influence over congressional Republicans, even in a majority caucus. Tillis, known for occasional independence—such as bipartisan immigration reform efforts represents a faction prioritizing constituent service and institutional norms.
Noem’s office has not responded to the hold or renewed testimony requests. The secretary has defended recent operations as essential for public safety and national security.
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GOP Dynamics and 2026 Calculations
The standoff exposes underlying tensions in Trump’s second term. While the president enjoys strong base loyalty, congressional Republicans face reelection pressures in diverse districts. Tillis’ action signals willingness to use procedural power against administration appointees perceived as unresponsive.
Similar frustrations have surfaced over other agencies, with senators demanding briefings on foreign policy and domestic enforcement.
As special elections fill vacant seats and the 2026 cycle intensifies, Tillis’ hold could become a template for leverage—or a flashpoint for party unity.
Noem’s refusal to testify—combined with operational controversies has turned a routine oversight request into a constitutional standoff. The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, chaired by a Republican, has bipartisan interest in DHS performance.
Sen. Tillis says he’s put a hold on DHS nominees
“Id simply like the Homeland Security Secretary to respond to what are now two requests by the chairman to come before the committee, and that’s the reason why I placed the blanket hold before the shooting yesterday on anything…
— Burgess Everett (@burgessev) January 8, 2026
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If Tillis maintains the hold, nominations could languish indefinitely, forcing negotiations or public hearings.
For now, the North Carolina senator holds significant leverage, insisting basic accountability—testimony from the cabinet secretary—is non-negotiable. The outcome will test the balance between executive action and congressional oversight in Trump’s second term, with DHS operations hanging in the balance.
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