Impeachment Articles Filed Against Homeland Security Secretary
Rep. Robin Kelly, a Democrat from Illinois, along with over 70 other House Democrats, has introduced three articles of impeachment against Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. This action comes on the heels of last week’s tragic shooting death of Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis.
“Secretary Noem, you’ve violated your oath of office. There will be consequences. I’m watching you, your colleagues are watching you, and, most importantly, the American public is watching,” Kelly stated during a press conference to announce the impeachment effort.
The articles outline specific accusations against Noem: one claims obstruction of Congress, another breaches of public trust, and the final one alleges self-dealing for personal benefit.
More than 60 House Democrats are backing this move.
Democrats contend that Good’s death was emblematic of deeper issues within the Department of Homeland Security under Noem’s leadership. They argue her actions go far beyond this latest incident.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, ICE officers fired when Good allegedly attempted to interfere with an arrest, ignored commands, and drove away, which put the officers in danger.
Kelly and other Democrats assert Noem’s reaction to the shooting—calling Good a “domestic terrorist”—was irresponsible and misdirected blame, failing to hold her agency accountable for potential misuse of force.
Rep. Nydia Velasquez of New York, who supported Kelly at the press conference, condemned Noem’s statements regarding the incident. “She appeared on national television and labeled the deceased Americans as domestic terrorists,” Velasquez remarked, emphasizing the clarity of the impeachment articles.
In contrast, Republican lawmakers have rallied around Noem, defending the ICE agents and demanding an investigation into the shooting incident.
Kelly responded to Noem’s dismissal of the impeachment effort, saying, “If you think impeachment is foolish, then you’re not taking your job or the Constitution seriously.” He expressed confidence that more Democratic colleagues would join the motion, noting that initial lobbying efforts had met with no backlash.
The U.S. Constitution permits impeachment for “high crimes and misdemeanors,” which the framers viewed as unique political misdeeds against the state.
Democrats currently hold a majority in the House, which remains under the influence of former Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Notably, former President Trump has been impeached twice for similar high crimes—in 2019 for abuse of power, and in 2021 for inciting insurrection—but was acquitted by the Senate both times.
Despite overwhelming support from the Democratic caucus, many believe Kelly’s impeachment effort may not gain traction in the Republican-controlled House, as a minimum of three Republican senators would need to support the motion for a conviction in the Senate.
