Over half of House Democrats are backing a resolution to impeach Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem, following a recent federal law enforcement shooting in Minneapolis. Representative Robin Kelly, a Democrat from Illinois, is leading this initiative, which had garnered the support of 133 Democratic representatives as of Monday morning, according to her office.
The movement is picking up steam among both progressives and moderate Democrats. For instance, Rep. Laura Gillen from New York announced on Sunday her support for the impeachment, citing the need for accountability after yet another American was killed by ICE. She stated on social media, “Secretary Noem must be impeached immediately.”
This surge of support comes in the wake of the shooting of Alex Preti, a nurse, by Border Patrol agents during protests in Minneapolis against President Trump’s immigration policies. Critics argue that the incident underscores a pattern of excessive force. Noem defended the actions of law enforcement, claiming Preti had arrived intending to cause harm, but many witness accounts and videos dispute this narrative. Some suggest Preti was only holding a cell phone when confronted by federal agents.
The debate continues as accusations fly from both sides. Many Republicans blame Minnesota’s Democratic leaders for inflaming tensions, while Democrats contend that the federal agents’ response has been reckless and disproportionate.
As of now, it remains uncertain if House Democratic leaders will formally support Kelly’s resolution. However, Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries hinted at paying attention to the ongoing situation. A potential impeachment effort could be largely symbolic, though, as passing it in the House seems unlikely, and even less so in the Senate, where 60 votes would be needed for removal.
Despite the vocal demands from House Democrats, support from the Senate has been limited—Senator Jacky Rosen of Nevada stands out as the only Senate Democrat calling for Noem’s impeachment, highlighting her “utter failure” to lead the agency effectively.
As the government funding deadline approaches, Senate Democrats are preparing to block the DHS funding bill in light of the ongoing controversies. In response, DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin emphasized that the department is simply enforcing the laws that Congress has laid out, suggesting that if lawmakers disagree, it’s up to them to make changes.
McLaughlin further argued that with ICE facing a surge in assaults, focusing on law enforcement and upholding the law is paramount for the department’s mission under Secretary Noem’s leadership.
