Washington was rocked this week as House Democrats took a bold stand against Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
On Wednesday, Democrats, led by Rep. Robin Kelly of Illinois, introduced three articles of impeachment against Noem, citing issues stemming from an ICE-involved shooting in Minneapolis and broader Department of Homeland Security operations nationwide. The articles allege obstruction of Congress, violation of public trust, and self-dealing. The push comes amid growing Democratic frustration with DHS policies and has the backing of nearly 70 members of Congress.
Critics of Noem argue that DHS has overstepped its bounds, with Rep. Kelly accusing the department of denying congressional access to ICE facilities and permitting arrests without warrants.
The Minneapolis incident, where U.S. citizen Renee Good was fatally shot by an ICE officer, has become the focal point of this controversy. Details of the event remain disputed, with competing videos circulating from different perspectives. While the Trump administration and many in the GOP label Good a "domestic terrorist" who attempted to harm law enforcement, Democrats and some Republicans call the shooting an act of "lawless" behavior against an innocent woman trying to flee, The Washington Examiner reported.
Rep. Kelly didn’t mince words at her press conference, declaring, “Renee Good is dead because Secretary Noem has allowed her DHS agents to run amok.” That’s a heavy charge, but it’s hard to ignore the pattern of aggressive enforcement that seems to prioritize action over due process. When federal agents act with impunity, public trust erodes fast.
Adding fuel to the fire, Kelly also stated, “Secretary Noem has called my impeachment efforts ‘silly.’ I want to tell her right now: Secretary Noem, you have violated your oath of office, and there will be consequences.” Calling this effort “silly” might play well with the base, but dismissing congressional oversight as a joke only deepens the divide.
Despite the passion behind this move, the likelihood of impeachment passing is slim with Republicans controlling both chambers of Congress. A simple majority in the House and a two-thirds majority in the Senate are needed, a tall order under the current political landscape. Still, Democrats like Rep. Maxine Dexter insist they “cannot be cynical” about building support.
House Democratic leadership, including Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, has taken a cautious stance, neither fully endorsing nor rejecting the effort. Jeffries noted on Monday that Democrats “haven’t ruled anything in and we haven’t ruled anything out” when it comes to accountability. That’s a diplomatic sidestep, but it signals the tightrope Democrats walk between principle and pragmatism.
Jeffries didn’t hold back on Noem herself, calling her “completely and totally unqualified” and suggesting she should be “run out of town as soon as possible.” Harsh words, but when public safety clashes with government overreach, frustration boils over. The question is whether impeachment is the right tool or just political theater.
Beyond impeachment, Democrats are exploring ways to curb ICE through the appropriations process, potentially restricting or defunding the agency. Democratic appropriators have urged Republicans to pull DHS funding from this week’s legislative package, arguing for stricter guardrails. Rep. Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut emphasized that no final decision has been made, but a separate vote may be necessary.
The Minneapolis shooting has become a lightning rod for larger concerns about immigration enforcement under the Trump administration. While some defend ICE actions as necessary for national security, others see a troubling trend of violence against citizens. The split in perception—evident in conflicting accounts of Renee Good’s death—mirrors the broader national divide on these policies.
Rep. Angie Craig of Minnesota, who prides herself on bipartisanship, framed the issue as a moral line crossed. Her presence at Kelly’s press conference, alongside members from various ideological factions, suggests this isn’t just a progressive crusade. If even the bridge-builders are fed up, DHS might need to rethink its approach.
Kelly herself views these articles as a “first step” toward addressing DHS accountability, hinting at a longer-term strategy if Democrats regain control of the House in future cycles. That’s a calculated move—laying groundwork now could shape priorities later. But for today, it’s about keeping the pressure on.
The administration’s defense of the ICE officer in Minneapolis, branding Good as a threat, raises eyebrows when videos tell conflicting stories. If the goal is law and order, transparency should be non-negotiable. Without clear facts, public outrage only grows, and trust in federal agencies takes another hit.
With Democrats in the minority, this impeachment effort will go nowhere. It's yet another obvious attempt to humiliate and intimidate Noem and the Trump administration.
