Democratic lawmakers have filed articles of impeachment against US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, citing the fatal shooting of US citizen Renee Nicole Good by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer in Minneapolis. Representative Robin Kelly of Illinois introduced three articles of impeachment on Wednesday, accusing Noem of obstruction of Congress, violation of public trust, and self-dealing.
Speaking at a press conference, Kelly said Noem had brought a 'reign of terror' to communities across the country and must be held accountable. The articles allege that Noem wilfully obstructed congressional oversight by withholding funds and blocking lawmakers from entering Department of Homeland Security (DHS) facilities. They also accuse her of using 'warrantless arrests' and violence against US citizens, as well as awarding a $200m ICE recruitment contract to a firm run by the husband of a senior DHS official.
The Trump administration pushed back, with a DHS spokesperson calling the impeachment effort 'silly' and accusing Kelly of prioritising 'showmanship' over addressing crime in Chicago. The spokesperson noted a 1,300% increase in assaults against ICE officers, arguing the department is focused on protecting Americans.
The move follows a previous impeachment attempt against Noem by Representative Delia Ramirez, also an Illinois Democrat, late last year. However, House Democratic leaders have not endorsed Kelly’s effort, which is unlikely to succeed in the Republican-controlled House. Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries called Noem 'completely and unqualified' but questioned whether impeachment is the best route.
Impeachment requires a majority vote in the House and a two-thirds majority in the Senate to convict and remove an official. In 2024, Republicans impeached former Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, but the Senate dismissed the charges. Kelly, who is running for Senate, has taken a more aggressive stance than her party leadership on the issue.
