Rep. Ruiz calls for resignation of DHS secretary Noem in news conference at Adelanto ICE facility
Jesus Reyes
Update:
In a letter released on Friday night , Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz and his colleagues detailed what they called a disturbing pattern of misconduct and constitutional violations carried out by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in recent months. The letter demands that Secretary Kristi Noem resign no later than July 20, 2025, to begin restoring integrity and accountability to the Department.
“The American people deserve a leader who respects life, liberty, and the law, not one who misuses power, lacks compassion, and puts at risk the core values of our democracy, “said Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz (CA-25). “Secretary Noem has demonstrated an alarming disregard for civil rights and has weaponized federal agencies against innocent people, including veterans, U.S. citizens, and even Members of Congress.”
Key points outlined in the letter include:
Since March 2025, more than 28,000 individuals have been detained during ICE operations including over 8,400 U.S. citizens and veterans, many without due process or proper documentation.
DHS has deployed masked ICE agents in unmarked vehicles, targeting homes, schools, workplaces, and places of worship—sowing fear and confusion in immigrant communities.
Families have been separated, and children are likely to suffer lasting trauma as a result.
In Southern California, peaceful protesters, legal observers, and journalists were met with tear gas and rubber bullets, violating their constitutional rights.
A father of three active-duty Marines was reportedly assaulted during an ICE raid, raising concerns about DHS’s treatment of veterans and their families.
Most alarmingly, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla was handcuffed and detained while conducting constitutionally protected congressional oversight. Secretary Noem’s defense of the arrest sets a dangerous precedent and threatens the separation of powers.
The letter also highlights Secretary Noem’s hypocrisy, citing her past opposition to federal overreach while governor of South Dakota, compared to her current authorization of militarized raids nationwide.
“When DHS begins detaining U.S. citizens, silencing journalists, and handcuffing Members of Congress under the guise of law enforcement, we are no longer dealing with isolated misconduct—we are facing systemic abuse,” Ruiz added. “Secretary Noem must step down.”
The full letter, calls for DHS to immediately reverse current enforcement policies that suppress oversight, endanger civil liberties, and traumatize communities across the country.
Original Report:
ADELANTO, Calif. (KESQ) – Congressman Raul Ruiz called for the immediate resignation of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem during a news conference at the Adelanto Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility.
Ruiz was joined by Congresswoman Norma Torres.
According to Ruiz’s office, the visit follows a recent denial of entry due to a new Department of Homeland Security (DHS) policy that increases the required notice for congressional visits from 72 hours to 7 days.
Ruiz says his office submitted a request within the longstanding 72-hour timeframe, DHS denied access, citing the new policy.
More from Congressman Ruiz’s Office:
“As duly elected Members of Congress, Congressman Ruiz and Congresswoman Torres have the constitutional authority to conduct unannounced oversight of federal facilities, including those operated by ICE. Barriers like this undermine that authority, reduce transparency, and raise serious concerns about the treatment of immigrants being held by ICE. Congressman Ruiz remains committed to holding DHS and ICE accountable and to protecting the rights and dignity of all individuals in the immigration system.”