Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem continues to face significant pressure from lawmakers on multiple immigration policy fronts as of mid-February 2026.

The most immediate controversy centers on her November 2025 decision to terminate Temporary Protected Status for Haiti, set to take effect February 3rd. Although a federal judge temporarily blocked the termination, Senate Democrats including John Hickenlooper and Lisa Blunt-Rochester have demanded that Noem reverse her directive. The Senators argue that Haiti remains gripped by extraordinary political instability with armed gangs controlling significant territory, escalating violence and kidnappings, and a collapsed government unable to safely receive returning nationals. They contend that when DHS last extended TPS for Haiti in June 2024, the department itself cited these same persistent security and humanitarian concerns. The lawmakers warn that ending TPS would expose individuals to grave danger, cause family separation, and contradict the humanitarian purpose Congress intended for the program. They also highlight that Haitian TPS holders contribute billions in economic activity annually and are essential workers in healthcare, construction, food processing, and logistics across states including Florida, New York, and Massachusetts.

Meanwhile, Noem faces separate scrutiny over Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations in Maine. Senator Angus King and Representative Chellie Pingree sent a letter demanding answers about Operation Catch of the Day, which launched January 20th with claims of targeting the worst criminal illegal aliens. The operation reportedly aims for 1,400 individuals with roughly 200 apprehended thus far, yet the DHS website listing those arrested shows only 19 people. The Maine delegation expressed frustration that despite multiple requests for clarification since January 22nd, DHS has provided no formal information beyond a partial list. They demanded responses by February 18th, asserting that congressional oversight is not optional.

Additionally, 100 US lawmakers sent a letter dated February 11th urging Noem to exempt the healthcare sector from new restrictions tied to the H1B visa program. The September 19th Presidential Proclamation imposed a 100,000 dollar fee on employers filing new H1B petitions. The lawmakers warn that this fee could worsen critical staffing shortages, noting that nearly 87 million Americans live in areas lacking sufficient medical professionals and physician demand could exceed supply by up to 86,000 in the next decade. They argue that rural hospitals and urban safety net hospitals rely heavily on international healthcare workers and cannot fill these positions through domestic workforce alone.

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