Calls for Impeachment of DHS Secretary Kristi Noem Grow
A rising number of House Democrats are backing a formal impeachment initiative against Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, spurred by the recent shooting of a woman by an ICE officer in Minneapolis.
Representative Robin Kelly (D-IL) has taken the lead, expressing her stance with a clear call for impeachment on three specific charges. “Secretary Kristi Noem is an incompetent leader and a disgrace to our democracy,” she stated, citing obstruction of justice, violation of public trust, and self-dealing as the main reasons.
Kelly elaborated, saying, “From Chicago to Charlotte to Los Angeles to Minneapolis, Secretary Noem is violating the Constitution while ruining lives and tearing families apart.” She emphasized that while the situation is alarming, “his violation of the rule of law should be impeachable.” Previously, Kelly had informed her constituents that she opposed Noem’s policies, stating, “This is what I’m fighting back against.”
What used to be primarily a progressive issue within the Democratic Party is now gaining traction among centrist members as well. House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) noted an increase in demands for oversight and accountability, labeling the Minneapolis incident as a “nightmare.” Rep. Brad Schneider (D-Ill.), who chairs the New Democratic Coalition, expressed that Noem “should resign or be removed from office” and indicated he might support impeachment proceedings if President Trump does not intervene.
The incident revolves around the shooting of 37-year-old Renee Good, who was shot after allegedly using her car to disrupt ICE operations. Randy Clark, a former law enforcement officer, defended the actions of the ICE officer, pointing to the agency’s Use of Force Policy that permits deadly force if there is a reasonable belief of imminent danger. He mentioned that initial video evidence suggests Good’s vehicle approached the officers, aligning with the policy’s criteria that force must be “objectively reasonable.”
DHS Secretary Noem stood by her agents’ actions, claiming Good used her vehicle as a weapon, thus posing a threat to federal employees. She referred to the incident as an “act of domestic terrorism” and insisted that it falls under federal jurisdiction, dismissing suggestions that state or local authorities should investigate. A DHS spokesperson also highlighted a significant rise in assaults against ICE officers, mentioning a staggering 1,300 percent increase.
Congresswoman Delia Ramirez (D-IL) has been vocal about impeachment efforts since December 2025, previously accusing Noem of misusing federal resources, obstructing oversight, and violating ethical standards. Following the shooting, Ramirez pointed out, “The world has changed. A white woman, a mother of three, was shot in the face and killed.” She noted that many constituents are now urging action, saying, “We have to do something, she has to go.” Ramirez anticipates more calls for Noem’s removal in light of this incident.
Several Democrats, including Rep. Angie Craig (D-MN), Rep. Sean Kasten (D-IL), and Rep. Betty McCollum (D-MN), have echoed their support for impeachment alongside Kelly.
Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA) questioned Noem’s credibility, demanding an independent investigation involving Minnesota’s authorities. He criticized her for labeling Good as a domestic terrorist “without any evidence,” calling her a “reckless spokesperson for the administration.” Congressman Jim Himes (D-Connecticut) contended that the Trump administration’s approach fosters aggression, suggesting that such violent incidents were “inevitable.”
However, some House Democrats are hesitant about proceeding with impeachment without a thorough investigation. Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Calif.) stated he would not support the articles of impeachment due to a preference for investigations first. Rep. John Mannion (D-N.Y.) stressed the importance of public hearings, and others like Rep. Jared Golden (D-Maine) firmly rejected the idea, simply stating, “no.”
Given the Republican majority in the House, Democrats realize the long odds against successfully impeaching Noem. “We can’t have a hearing without Republican support,” Raskin acknowledged.
Amidst the Minneapolis shooting, a separate investigation led by DHS into alleged child care fraud in Minnesota is also ongoing. This investigation is focusing on several facilities accused of misusing federal funds. Notably, Secretary Noem had announced the fraud investigation just days prior to the shooting, mentioning that “Homeland Security Investigations @ICEGov is currently conducting a major investigation into child care and other rampant fraud on the ground in Minneapolis.”
