A group of Democratic representatives in the United States Congress is taking formal steps to remove Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem from office, following the fatal shooting of a US citizen by an immigration agent last week.
Impeachment Push Follows Fatal Minneapolis Shooting
The move, led by Illinois Democrat Robin Kelly, comes amid escalating national anger over the death of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good. Good was shot and killed by an officer from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) while she was in her car on a residential street in Minneapolis.
While Secretary Noem and the Trump administration have labelled the incident an act of "domestic terrorism" by a "professional agitator", this characterisation has been fiercely disputed. Video evidence and statements from local officials, including Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, contradict the federal narrative. Frey condemned the shooting as a reckless abuse of power and demanded that federal agents leave the city. The administration's response has been to deploy more agents, further heightening tensions.
Representative Kelly plans to introduce three articles of impeachment against Noem on Wednesday. She will be joined by progressive colleagues Ilhan Omar of Minnesota and Maxine Dexter of Oregon, both from states where federal agents have been involved in recent shootings of residents.
Charges of Obstruction and Misuse of Funds
The impeachment articles accuse the Homeland Security Secretary of serious misconduct. The charges include willfully obstructing congressional oversight by withholding funds approved by lawmakers and repeatedly blocking them from entering DHS facilities.
Further allegations cite a violation of public trust through the authorisation of "warrantless arrests" and the use of "violence against US citizens and lawful individuals". A third article charges Noem with self-dealing, alleging she "inappropriately" used taxpayer money to fund an ICE recruitment advertising campaign. The lucrative $200 million recruitment contract was reportedly awarded to a firm run by the husband of a senior DHS official and chief spokesperson, Tricia McLaughlin.
This is not the first impeachment effort against Noem. Late last year, fellow Illinois Democrat Delia Ramirez moved to impeach the secretary amid an immigration crackdown in Chicago.
Democratic Division and Republican Dismissal
The push reflects growing fury among Democrats over the administration's increasingly aggressive enforcement tactics. However, the party remains divided on the best course of action. House Democratic leaders have not endorsed Kelly's effort, which stands little chance of success in the Republican-controlled chamber.
Some Democrats advocate using upcoming government funding deadlines as leverage to restrict ICE's powers and slash its budget. Democratic Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, while calling Noem "completely and totally unqualified" and saying she should be "run out of town", has questioned whether impeachment is the most effective strategy.
The Department of Homeland Security swiftly dismissed the impeachment move. A spokesperson criticised Representative Kelly, stating, "How silly during a serious time. As ICE officers are facing a 1,300% increase in assaults against them, Rep. Kelly is more focused on showmanship and fundraising clicks than actually cleaning up her crime-ridden Chicago district."
The political battle echoes recent history. In 2024, House Republicans impeached Joe Biden's Homeland Security Secretary, Alejandro Mayorkas, on charges that some in their own party called politically motivated. The Senate later dismissed those charges.
For an impeachment to succeed, the articles must first pass the House by a simple majority. Conviction and removal from office then require a two-thirds majority vote in the Senate, a high bar in the current politically polarised climate.
