The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is responsible for safeguarding the nation while upholding principles of justice, security, and human rights. Under the leadership of Secretary Kristi Noem, DHS has been plagued by reckless policies, worker rights violations, and dangerous mismanagement, undermining national security and public trust.

Key Failures Under Secretary Noem’s Leadership:

1. Rescinding TSA’s Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) – Undermining Worker Rights & National Security

On March 7, 2025, DHS unilaterally revoked the TSA’s CBA, stripping 47,000 TSA officers of their labor protections, fair grievance procedures, and workplace stability.

This action weakened morale and security at U.S. airports, potentially increasing turnover and operational instability.

By removing workers’ ability to negotiate for better conditions, DHS is creating an environment where security lapses and inefficiencies are more likely.

TSA officers already work under difficult conditions, with low wages and understaffing—this decision only worsens the situation.

2. Revoking Protections for Vulnerable Migrants

Haitian Migrants – On February 20, 2025, Secretary Noem rescinded Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 500,000 Haitian migrants, leaving them at risk of deportation despite the humanitarian crisis in Haiti.

Venezuelan Migrants – TPS was also revoked for 600,000 Venezuelans, ignoring ongoing economic and political instability in Venezuela.
(The Guardian)

3. Controversial Plan to Detain Migrants at Guantanamo Bay

DHS proposed transferring detained migrants to Guantanamo Bay, a location with a history of human rights violations and indefinite detentions.

The ACLU has sued DHS over this plan, arguing it violates legal and ethical standards for humane treatment.

4. Politicizing Public Safety & Undermining Law Enforcement Trust

After a violent incident in NYC, Noem attacked sanctuary city policies, focusing on political blame rather than constructive solutions.

Law enforcement groups have criticized her rhetoric, saying it risks damaging community trust in local policing.

5. Lack of Experience & Public Controversies

Noem’s lack of qualifications for leading a massive national security agency has been widely criticized, even by former DHS officials.

She has been barred from tribal lands for inflammatory statements falsely accusing Native American leaders of working with drug cartels.

Her admission of shooting her own dog has also raised concerns about her judgment and temperament as a leader.

 

6. Inadequate Response to California Wildfires:

 

Delayed Federal Assistance: During the devastating January 2025 wildfires in Southern California, which resulted in at least 29 fatalities and the destruction of over 18,000 structures, the federal response under Secretary Noem's leadership was criticized for its sluggishness. 

Proposal to Dissolve FEMA: President Trump's proposal to dissolve the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), supported by Secretary Noem, threatens to shift disaster response responsibilities to individual states, potentially leaving them ill-equipped to handle large-scale emergencies. This move could disproportionately affect states with limited resources, undermining national disaster preparedness. 

 

Insufficient Coordination: The lack of effective coordination between DHS and state agencies hindered timely disaster relief efforts, exacerbating the suffering of affected communities.

DHS Needs Leadership That Works for the People—Not Against Them

Kristi Noem’s leadership has been marked by reckless policies, political stunts, and decisions that weaken DHS rather than strengthen it. From undermining TSA officers’ rights to proposing inhumane detention policies, her failures demand immediate action.

We, the undersigned, demand:

The immediate resignation of Kristi Noem as Secretary of Homeland Security.

Policies that uphold labor rights, national security, and ethical governance.

DHS needs competent, accountable leadership—leadership that prioritizes national security and protects the rights of both workers and the public.

Sign and share this petition to demand real change at DHS!