Statement from Unidos MN on the Firing of DHS Secretary Kristi Noem

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 5, 2026

Statement from Unidos MN on the Firing of DHS Secretary Kristi Noem

Minnesotans fired Kristi Noem.

For months, our communities have been living with the consequences of policies carried out under her watch. Families have been separated, U.S. citizens have been detained, businesses have suffered economic harm, and entire neighborhoods have been forced to live with fear and trauma.

Just yesterday, Unidos MN brought a delegation of Minnesotans to Washington, D.C. to hold Secretary Noem directly accountable for policies that used taxpayer dollars against Americans and contributed to the erosion of constitutional rights. Members of our community, including U.S. citizens who were wrongfully detained, traveled to share their stories and demand accountability for what has been done to our state.

Today, we are allowing ourselves to recognize this moment for what it is: a hard-fought step in the right direction.

“Accountability is a long road, and no single personnel change will undo the damage that has been inflicted,” said Emilia González Avalos, Executive Director of Unidos MN. “But leadership matters, and the abuses that occurred under Kristi Noem’s watch were inexcusable. Her removal from office is the result of communities refusing to stay silent and demanding that those in power answer for the harm done to our neighbors.”

This moment is a reminder that organizing works. When everyday people speak up, tell the truth about what is happening, and demand accountability together, change becomes possible.

We know the work ahead will take time. This is not a sprint. It is a relay.

Today we celebrate this step forward. Tomorrow we continue organizing to protect our neighbors, defend our constitutional rights, and hold this administration accountable for the harm inflicted on Minnesotans.

###