A congressman from Illinois has initiated a call for an inquiry into Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, citing alleged misconduct, inappropriate use of federal funds, and breaches of ethical and legal responsibilities in her management of the Department of Homeland Security.
On Thursday, December 11th, Congresswoman Delia Ramirez (D-IL) sent a letter to the House Judiciary Committee, urging an investigation into Secretary Noem. Ramirez labeled Noem’s actions at the DHS as potentially impeachable, accusing her of repeatedly breaking the law, misusing taxpayer money, and misleading both Congress and the public. In the correspondence, she noted that Noem “ignored” her, which, she believes, undermines the rule of law and her oath of office.
Ramirez’s letter outlines several claims, including a $200 million taxpayer-funded public relations campaign by DHS that allegedly involved vendors with personal connections to Noem. She also criticized Noem for approving partisan videos broadcasted at airports during the government shutdown that began on October 1, viewing this as a breach of the Hatch Act. Furthermore, Ramirez mentioned the $172 million expenditure on two Gulfstream jets during Noem’s tenure.
The congresswoman also accused Noem of making misleading or false public statements, such as downplaying ICE’s detention practices regarding American citizens and misrepresenting deportation outcomes related to Kilmer Abrego Garcia. Ramirez claimed that under Noem, DHS employed excessive force, utilizing chemical weapons in contravention of court orders. In one instance, she stated that DHS officials used such tactics in Chicago, despite a federal judge’s prohibition.
During a House Homeland Security Committee hearing, Ramirez confronted Noem directly, asserting, “Your options are limited: You either resign, Trump fires you, or you get impeached.” She accused Noem of lying with disregard for accountability and neglecting both congressional and judicial oversight. “You misused the resources allocated by Congress. Your actions have been unethical,” Ramirez remarked, reminding Noem of her previous request for resignation made in May.
The congresswoman also shared the letter and the hearing’s video on her social media, stating, “Yes, I will take the first steps toward impeaching Ms. Noem,” and emphasized the importance of accountability for the public.
The situation unfolds while Secretary Noem, a former governor, has enforced stringent immigration policies. Under her guidance, DHS reported a “record-breaking” 2.5 million illegal immigrants leaving the United States, with ICE carrying out over 600,000 deportations and nearly 2 million self-deportations. DHS is also promoting a mobile app, CBP Home, designed to make travel logistics easier.
Noem has gained attention for her proposed travel ban aimed at countries she claimed send “murderers, leeches, and rights-seeking junkies” to the U.S. She suggested a total travel ban against all such nations. President Trump expressed his satisfaction with Noem’s leadership on border issues, calling it “amazing.”
Although instances of impeachment among officials have been uncommon in recent history, they have become more likely under the current administration. Ramirez’s actions echo similar moves by Democratic Rep. Haley Stevens (D-Mich.), who recently submitted articles of impeachment against Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Furthermore, Congressman Shri Thanedar (D-MI) has sought the impeachment of Army Secretary Pete Hegseth due to worries stemming from a fatal military operation involving a suspected drug-smuggling vessel.
Ramirez has consistently criticized the Trump administration’s immigration strategies and the leadership at DHS. Previously, she labeled ICE a “terrorist organization,” claiming the department was “facilitating the disappearance of our neighbors” and expressed that individuals identified as “proud Guatemalans before they are Americans.”
