​​​​​​​WASHINGTON

US Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem faced criticism Thursday from House Democrats during a hearing, where multiple they accused her of abusing her authority and called for her resignation.

The House Homeland Security Committee hearing was convened to review national security threats and the agency’s recent operations. But from the outset, lawmakers pressed Noem on the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement tactics, conduct of federal officers and what they described as a breakdown in accountability within DHS.

Rep. Bennie Thompson accused Noem of directing the agency's activities that he described as unlawful and abusive.

“At your direction, DHS has terrorized, beaten and detained hundreds, if not thousands, of American citizens,” said Thompson, adding that the agency had “illegally detained and deported American citizens, including U.S. citizen children with cancer.”

He claimed DHS personnel had improperly used force against civilians, including veterans, the clergy and senior citizens.

“You have systematically dismantled the Department of Homeland Security, put your own interests above the department and violated the law,” he said. “Rather than wasting our time with more corruption, lies and lawlessness, I call on you to resign.”

Rep. Shri Thanedar echoed those demands. “I am sick of your lies. The American people are sick of these lies,” he said. “If you’re not fired, will you resign?” he said.

Noem replied: "I will consider you asking me to resign as an endorsement of my work."

'You should resign immediately'

Rep. Delia Ramirez accused Noem of disregarding oversight mechanisms.

“Bottom line: you lie with impunity, you reject checks and balances, and you ignore Congress and the courts,” said Ramirez. She warned that Noem could face impeachment, noting she had already urged the House Judiciary Committee to open an investigation into “your lawlessness.”

Rep. Tim Kennedy said Noem focused on “violent raids, anti-police policies and nonstop photo ops,” rather than allocating resources to high-risk regions and disaster areas.

“Your failure to lead is a direct threat to homeland security … and you should resign immediately,” he said.

Noem departed during the hearing because she had to attend another meeting at the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which was abruptly canceled. As she exited, demonstrators in the hallway shouted, “Shame on you!” and protested the administration’s immigration policies.

After Noem walked out, Thompson signaled that the committee may compel her to return.

“Because the secretary walked out of the hearing, I move that this committee subpoena Noem back to continue her testimony,” he said.