Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was surrounded by an anti-ICE mob on Capitol Hill Thursday in a chaotic scene that unfolded while she was holding her granddaughter.
The incident occurred as Noem exited a House Homeland Security Committee hearing in Washington, D.C., where protesters blocked her path and began shouting insults as Capitol Police struggled to clear a route.
Footage from the scene shows demonstrators screaming accusations at Noem, including calling her a Nazi and likening her to the SS and Gestapo as she clutched the infant.
Noem, who has four grandchildren, was holding her granddaughter during the confrontation as protesters closed in, creating what multiple witnesses described as a frightening moment.
The DHS secretary was also seen hugging Agnes Gibbon, the mother of a man who was shot and killed by an undocumented migrant in 2002, as protesters continued yelling around them.
One protester screamed that Noem was using the baby as a political prop, while others accused her of terrorizing families through the Trump administration’s deportation policies.
Capitol Police eventually intervened, holding back the crowd and escorting Noem and her husband out of the building.
The protest erupted shortly after Noem testified before the House Committee on Homeland Security during a hearing titled “Worldwide Threats to the Homeland.”
During the hearing, Democratic lawmakers sharply criticized Noem over her role in enforcing President Donald Trump’s deportation agenda and accused her of misleading the committee.
Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-MS) accused Noem of dismantling DHS, violating the law, and putting personal interests above national security.
He demanded that Noem resign, claiming she was making the country less safe, and suggested Trump might fire her if she did not step down voluntarily.
The confrontation comes amid recent media reports claiming Trump is considering replacing Noem in the new year, per the Daily Mail.
The Bulwark reported that outgoing Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) is among several Republicans allegedly being considered as a potential replacement.
Trump pushed back on those reports earlier this week, telling reporters he is happy with Noem’s performance and dismissing claims of dissatisfaction.
“I read a story recently that I’m unhappy with Kristi,” Trump said. “I’m so happy with her. Why would I be unhappy? She’s fantastic.”
The White House has not indicated any plans to remove Noem, and DHS declined to comment on the protest.
Noem has been a central figure in Trump’s immigration crackdown, leading mass deportation efforts and defending ICE amid sustained criticism from the left.
Activists have increasingly targeted administration officials in public spaces as immigration enforcement ramps up nationwide.
Liberal activist Medea Benjamin posted a video of the incident online, accusing Noem of having blood on her hands and calling for ICE to be abolished.
The episode adds to a growing pattern of confrontations involving Trump officials and left-wing activists, many of which have turned aggressive or physical.
Despite the disruption, Noem completed her testimony and left the Capitol under police protection as protesters continued chanting.
