Democrats file impeachment articles against Kristi Noem over ICE shooting

WASHINGTON, DC: Democratic lawmakers on Wednesday escalated their confrontation with the Trump administration by formally filing articles of impeachment against Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, citing the fatal shooting of US citizen Renee Nicole Good by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent in Minneapolis last week.

The move was led by Illinois Democratic Representative Robin Kelly, who announced the filing during a press conference, calling Noem's leadership of the Department of Homeland Security dangerous and unaccountable as federal immigration enforcement operations expand across major US cities.

Robin Kelly introduces impeachment articles against Kristi Noem

Kelly said she introduced three articles of impeachment accusing Noem of obstruction of Congress, violation of public trust, and self-dealing. She claimed the effort has the backing of 70 Democratic members of Congress.

“Secretary Noem has brought her reign of terror to the Chicagoland area, LA, New Orleans, Charlotte, Durham, and communities across the country,” Kelly said. “She needs to be held accountable for her actions.”

The impeachment push follows mounting national anger over the death of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good, who was shot and killed while sitting behind the wheel of her car on a residential Minneapolis street during an ICE operation.

Death of Renee Nicole Good fuels national outrage

Federal officials described the shooting as an act of self-defense and labeled Good a “professional agitator” involved in domestic terrorism. That account has been challenged by video footage and local officials, who dispute the characterization.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey condemned the shooting, calling it a reckless use of federal power and demanding that ICE leave the city. Instead, the administration deployed additional federal agents, further escalating tensions between residents and law enforcement.

Kelly referenced those deployments on Wednesday, arguing that Noem bears responsibility for an enforcement strategy that has placed civilians at risk.

DHS pushes back, defends ICE and Kristi Noem

The Department of Homeland Security forcefully rejected Kelly’s impeachment effort, accusing her of political theater.

“How silly during a serious time,” a DHS spokesperson said. “As ICE officers face 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 spokesperson added that DHS remains focused on “protecting American people,” insisting that the department is acting appropriately under Noem’s leadership.

Kelly responded directly, saying, “You have violated your oath of office and there will be consequences.”

Allegations include obstruction and misuse of taxpayer funds

The articles accuse Noem of willfully obstructing congressional oversight by withholding appropriated funds and repeatedly blocking lawmakers from entering DHS facilities.

The filing also alleges violations of public trust, citing “warrantless arrests” and the use of force against US citizens and lawful residents during ICE operations.

Noem is further accused of self-dealing related to an ICE recruitment advertising campaign funded with taxpayer dollars. Democrats allege a $200 million recruitment contract was awarded to a firm run by the husband of DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin.

Democrats divided over impeachment strategy

Despite growing anger over ICE’s tactics, party leaders remain divided over whether impeachment is the most effective response. House Democratic leadership has not endorsed Kelly’s effort, and the articles face long odds in the Republican-controlled House.

Some Democrats have urged using an upcoming government funding deadline to curb ICE’s authority and reduce its budget.

“We haven’t ruled anything in and we haven’t ruled anything out,” Democratic Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said. “Everything is on the table from the standpoint of complete and total accountability.”

Jeffries described Noem as “completely and totally unqualified” and said she should be “run out of town as soon as possible,” while questioning whether impeachment is “the best way to accomplish that objective.”

Historical parallels and uncertain path forward

The effort echoes last year’s Republican-led impeachment of former Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, which ultimately failed when the Senate dismissed the charges.

For Noem to be removed, the House would need to approve impeachment by a simple majority, followed by a two-thirds Senate vote—a threshold Democrats are unlikely to meet.