Homeland Security Secretary Meets With Rep. Delia Ramirez Amid Government Shutdown

TL/DR –

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem met with Rep. Delia Ramirez amid a partial government shutdown affecting her department. The meeting was described as tense, with Ramirez criticizing Noem’s handling of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and calling for changes in policy, including revoking the warrantless home entry memo for ICE agents, reaffirming the Fourth Amendment, and enforcing minimum use of force. Despite the contentious atmosphere, Noem’s office affirmed their commitment to regular meetings with Congress members and encouraged support for funding their department’s operations.

Homeland Security Secretary’s Meeting with Chicago Congresswoman Amid Government Shutdown

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem recently met with Rep. Delia Ramirez, D-Ill., during an unusual gathering amidst a government shutdown impacting her agency. The Chicago congresswoman advocated for a change in immigration tactics, confirming to NBC News a “heated and tense” meeting wherein Noem didn’t commit to policy alterations.

Ramirez, a member of the House Homeland Security Committee, also called for Noem to address six policy areas including revoking ICE’s warrantless home entry memo and endorsing minimum use of force standards.

As recounted by Ramirez’s office, the meeting was held in Chicago’s DHS St. Elizabeths campus with Noem and several other high-ranking officials. A DHS spokesperson stated that their department hopes for Ramirez’s energy towards funding DHS to prioritize American citizens’ safety over politics.

The congresswoman has repeatedly advocated for defunding ICE and demanded hearings for Noem’s impeachment, reiterating these positions in a letter to Noem after the meeting.

The representative is also urging for reinstatement of a Biden-era memorandum restricting immigration enforcement in sensitive areas like churches and hospitals.

The discussions occurred in the midst of a government shutdown focusing on DHS, with Democrat lawmakers insisting on modifications in its public engagement methods. This follows instances of immigration officers fatally shooting two U.S. citizens in Minnesota last month after the deployment of 3,000 agents in the state by the Trump administration.

Amid these tensions, President Trump affirmed the need for a “softer touch” in enforcement strategies during his State of the Union speech, while criticizing Democrats for their perceived laxity towards illegal immigration.

Immigration clashes have significantly impacted Ramirez’s Chicago district, causing disruptions and inciting protests in the city. Ramirez expressed surprise at Noem’s willingness to meet, remaining uncertain about potential progress.

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