BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) -- Louisiana officials reacted to the firing of former Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem.
On Thursday, President Donald Trump fired Noem after criticism of her leadership of the department and how she responded to the administration's immigration crackdown.
Congressman Troy Carter said accountability still prevailed after the decision.
"Today's announcement that Kristi Noem will no longer serve as Secretary of Homeland Security reflects what communities across this country have been demanding for months: accountability. Under her leadership, the Department of Homeland Security and ICE repeatedly carried out aggressive immigration operations without proper coordination with local leaders, disregarded due process, and created fear and instability in communities that deserve respect and protection under the law. In New Orleans, we brought these concerns directly to the public during a congressional field hearing where residents, legal advocates, and local officials testified about the real impact these actions were having on families and neighborhoods. At that hearing, we made our position clear. The pattern of conduct coming from DHS leadership had become unacceptable, and we called for Secretary Noem's removal. Today's decision underscores an important truth. Even when Democrats do not control the votes in Congress, accountability can still prevail when the three pillars of our democracy work together: Congress, the courts, and the community. The announcement that Senator Markwayne Mullin will be nominated to lead the Department of Homeland Security does not end the need for vigilance. Senator Mullin has publicly applauded many of the very practices under Secretary Noem that raised serious concerns across the country. His appointment does not erase those concerns. Congress will be watching closely, and we will not hesitate to hold this new leadership accountable if those same harmful practices continue. Oversight matters. The rule of law matters. And the voices of the people matter. There is still much work ahead. Our nation deserves immigration and homeland security policies that keep Americans safe while honoring the Constitution, protecting civil rights, and treating every person with dignity. That remains the standard we will continue to fight for."
Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry posted a message on social media thanking Noem for her efforts.
"America is safer because of [Noem]'s service at DHS. Because of her work, America is seeing record-low border crossings. I'm thankful, Louisiana is thankful, the Nation should be thankful, for her service to this country, and I wish her the best in her new role. I want to congratulate [Markwayne Mullin] on his new appointment. Louisiana stands ready to work with you to continue President [Donald Trump]'s mission to protect our great homeland!"