U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, National Counterterrorism Center Director Joseph Kent and Operations Director of the FBI's National Security Branch Michael Glasheen attend a House Homeland Security hearing entitled "Worldwide Threats to the Homeland," on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., U.S. December 11, 2025. REUTERS/Elizabeth Frantz

Democratic Rep. Delia Ramirez (Ill.) lambasted Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem during a Thursday hearing before the House Homeland Security Committee, alleging she "lied" under oath to Congress.

During the hearing, Ramirez countered claims by both Noem and the Trump administration that Americans aren't being detained or deported by the Department of Homeland Security.

"Secretary Noem, you lie, and you lied to the American people. I will be including into the record an article by ProPublica from October 16th, 2025, entitled 'We found that more than 170 U.S. citizens have been held by immigration agents,'" Ramirez said.

Noem began smiling, and Ramirez interrupted her remarks, saying, "There's nothing [to smile] about US citizens" being detained. Noem started to speak, but Ramirez put up her hand, "I'm sorry. That's very inappropriate. Let me continue."

Ramirez played a video of Noem, during a press conference, claiming that the administration had "targeted the worst of the worst," including "violent criminals" who are "breaking our laws."

Ramirez then included in the record an NBC report saying 75,000 non-criminals have been arrested by Homeland Security.

"And it is your obligation as a member of the executive branch to honor decisions made by the highest court of the land. Yes or no, Secretary?" asked Ramirez.

Noem insisted they abide by all court orders.