Schumer Calls for Noem’s Removal from DHS
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) has labeled Kristi Noem, the Secretary of Homeland Security, as unfit for her position and has urged for her removal. Schumer expressed his views on social media, stating, “Kristi Noem is a liar. Kristi Noem is incompetent. Kristi Noem is vicious. Kristi Noem should be fired.”
This statement comes amid escalating criticism of Noem from Democrats nationwide, primarily related to her handling of federal immigration enforcement, which includes a recent fatal shooting involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations and subsequent violent incidents. These events have drawn significant attention, particularly from House and Senate Democrats, who argue that Noem’s DHS has exhibited a troubling pattern of excessive force.
In recent weeks, House Democrats have moved to initiate impeachment proceedings against Noem. They accuse her of ethical violations, misuse of federal funds, and a continuous stream of misleading statements to the public. The initiative, spearheaded by Rep. Delia Ramirez (D-Ill.), gained momentum following the shooting of Minneapolis resident Renee Good. Some experts argue that the circumstances surrounding Good’s shooting might have justified the use of deadly force. However, Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) has criticized Noem for labeling Good a domestic terrorist without supporting evidence, describing Noem as a reckless representative of the administration.
Last week, Schumer and several Senate Democrats made it clear that they oppose a DHS funding bill that proposes around $10 billion for ICE. Schumer argued that the resistance to oversight reforms among Republicans rendered the bill inadequate. He announced he would vote against it unless changes are made regarding DHS funding.
This call to deny funding to DHS has garnered support from multiple Senate Democrats, including Ed Markey (D-MA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), and Mark Warner (D-VA). They directly link their opposition to concerns about federal officials’ conduct during Noem’s leadership. Markey emphasized a complete withdrawal of ICE funding and supported Noem’s impeachment for enabling what he termed “vigilante actions” by immigration officials.
On a different platform, Whoopi Goldberg, a co-host of ABC’s “The View,” criticized the actions of Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino alongside Noem, suggesting they bear responsibility for the violence. She referenced a contentious video of the shooting, expressing doubt about the federal narrative and asserting, “We see you as you are. You have blood on your hands.”
In response to the criticism, Noem has steadfastly defended the federal agents involved in the Minneapolis incident, remarking on FOX News that not carrying ID and having a concealed cell phone is a violation of Minnesota law. She emphasized that confronting law enforcement can lead to legal repercussions. Noem also pointed fingers at Minnesota’s Democratic leaders, claiming they showed little concern for her officers’ welfare amid recent unrest, accusing protesters of escalating from being mere agitators to violent threats.
The Department of Homeland Security has reported a sharp increase in assaults against immigration officers, noting a staggering 1,300 percent rise in attacks. Additionally, Noem linked the law enforcement actions to an ongoing federal investigation related to fraud in Minnesota, highlighting that Homeland Security Investigations (ICE) is currently active in the area.
