WASHINGTON, D.C. — Tensions were palpable at the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee hearing on Homeland Security on May 8, 2025, where Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem faced fierce scrutiny from Democratic senators over her agency's financial management and controversial immigration policies. Senator Chris Murphy, D-Conn., led the charge, warning that DHS is at risk of exhausting its $65 billion budget by July, two months before the fiscal year's end. "Your department is out of control," Murphy stated emphatically. "You are running out of money."
Noem was called to account for the DHS's spending practices, particularly regarding a $100 million advertising campaign that has sparked criticism for its mixed messaging, including both praise for the Trump administration and warnings directed at potential migrants. Senator Patty Murray, the top Democrat on the full Senate Appropriations Committee, lambasted Noem for not adhering to appropriations laws and for the adverse effects of immigration enforcement that have ensnared U.S. citizens and lawful immigrants. "Your crackdown has roped in American citizens and people who are here legally with no criminal record," Murray said.
The hearing also touched on the high-profile case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a man wrongly deported to El Salvador, which the Trump administration has acknowledged as an error. Senator Chris Van Hollen, who has been vocal about Abrego Garcia's plight, pressed Noem on what steps DHS is taking to facilitate his return. The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that the administration must assist in bringing him back, yet Noem's responses were vague, leading Van Hollen to question her commitment to due process. "Your advocacy for a known terrorist is alarming to me," Noem retorted, to which Van Hollen clarified that he was advocating for due process rather than supporting any criminality.
Further complicating the matter, Noem was asked about the implications of the Trump administration's immigration policies on students with visas, particularly Canadian students who have faced increased scrutiny at the border. Chairwoman Susan Collins expressed her concern, stating, "These are dually enrolled Canadian students, and they’ve been crossing the border for years without trouble." She urged Noem to ensure that proper protocols are in place to prevent discouraging these students from pursuing their education in the U.S.
In Alaska, Senator Lisa Murkowski raised alarms about the processing delays affecting individuals with Temporary Protected Status (TPS). She highlighted that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has not processed TPS renewals for up to five months, leaving many immigrants in limbo. "The majority of these folks are just truly valued members of their new community," Murkowski said. Noem acknowledged the issue but did not provide a timeline for resolution, stating that the administration is evaluating the TPS programs.
Meanwhile, in a related matter, Noem announced her office's efforts to restore funding to the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland. The academy's in-person training was halted by FEMA on March 7, 2025, as part of a broader strategy by the Trump administration to cut federal spending. Senator Van Hollen questioned Noem on the funding cuts and the cancellation of both in-person and virtual classes, emphasizing the importance of these programs for firefighters and paramedics. "I would just ask, could you commit today to responding to our letter?" he asked, referring to a letter he sent to FEMA seeking clarification on the funding decisions.
Despite the challenges faced at the National Fire Academy, local training for firefighters in Carroll County has continued, albeit with limitations. Michael Karolenko, president of the Carroll County Professional Fire Fighters & Paramedics, expressed the need for in-person courses to enhance professional development. "The cancellation of in-person courses at the NFA does limit our opportunity to access courses that benefit our career and volunteer fire officers," he explained.
Emmitsburg's Mayor Frank Davis also voiced concerns about the economic impact of the academy's closure on the local community, projecting that businesses could lose as much as 20% of their income due to reduced activity. "We have great hope they open it back up," he said, noting that the academy is a significant contributor to the town's water budget.
Funding for the U.S. Fire Administration, which oversees the National Fire Academy, was secured through 2028 by the Fire Grants and Safety Act, signed by former President Biden in July 2024. However, the current administration's stance on federal spending remains a contentious issue, with President Trump prioritizing cuts across various agencies.
As the hearing concluded, the future of DHS funding and its implications for immigration policies and local programs remained uncertain. Senators from both parties expressed the need for accountability and transparency, particularly as the department navigates the complexities of immigration enforcement and budgetary constraints. The ongoing discussions signal a critical juncture for the DHS, as it seeks to balance its operational priorities with the pressing demands of lawmakers and the communities they serve.
