House Democrats Escalate Impeachment Threat Against DHS Secretary Kristi Noem Over Minnesota Shootings
Washington, D.C. – House Democratic leaders issued a stark ultimatum to President Donald Trump on Tuesday: fire Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem immediately, or face impeachment proceedings against her in the House of Representatives.[1][2]
The aggressive push comes amid mounting outrage over a series of fatal shootings by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis, Minnesota, which Democrats have branded a “DHS killing spree.” The latest incident involved the death of Alex Pretti, killed by Customs and Border Protection agents on Saturday – the second such killing by federal agents in the city this month.[2]
Democratic Leadership Backs Impeachment Resolution
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), Whip Katherine Clark (D-Mass.), and Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.) released a joint statement condemning Noem’s leadership. “Kristi Noem should be dismissed immediately, or we will initiate impeachment proceedings in the House of Representatives,” they declared.[1][2]
The leaders accused the Trump administration of weaponizing taxpayer dollars to “kill American citizens, brutalize communities and violently target law-abiding immigrant families.” They demanded “dramatic changes” at DHS and criminal prosecution of agents who have broken the law, stating, “The violence unleashed on the American people by the Department of Homeland Security must end forthwith.”[2]
Support for the impeachment effort has surged rapidly. As of Monday, 145 House Democrats had co-sponsored H. Res. 996, led by Rep. Robin Kelly (D-Ill.), a key figure in Jeffries’ leadership team. By Tuesday afternoon, that number climbed to 162 – over three-quarters of the Democratic caucus.[1]
New co-sponsors announced Tuesday included unexpected names such as Reps. Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.), Frederica Wilson (D-Fla.), Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.), and others like McClellan (D-Va.), Neal (D-Mass.), Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.), Bill Foster (D-Ill.), and Shom Figures (D-Ala.). Five more signed on immediately after Jeffries’ remarks.[1]
Judiciary Democrats Demand Inquiry
Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), amplified the call in a statement released the same day. He urged Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) to “immediately commence House Judiciary Committee impeachment proceedings to remove her from office.”[3]
“Unless Secretary Noem resigns or is fired, the Judiciary Committee’s Chairman, Jim Jordan, should immediately commence… impeachment proceedings.” – Rep. Jamie Raskin[3]
If Jordan refuses, Raskin vowed to collaborate with Ranking Members Bennie Thompson (Homeland Security) and Stephen Lynch (Oversight) to launch a “complete oversight and impeachment inquiry” into Noem’s actions, probing potential “constitutional crimes” including “treason, bribery or other high crimes and misdemeanors.”[3]
Raskin praised Kelly’s resolution for galvanizing support and outlined next steps: fact-finding, public hearings, committee reports, and educating the public to counter what he called the administration’s “persistent lies.” He emphasized building a case through traditional impeachment processes to prevent future executive overreach.[3]
Trump Stands by Noem Amid GOP Criticism
Despite the Democratic onslaught, President Trump expressed unwavering support for Noem. On Tuesday, he told reporters, “She’s done a very good job” and affirmed she would not step down. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt echoed this, stating Noem retains “the utmost confidence and trust of the president.”[2]
Even within GOP circles, criticism has emerged. Influential MAGA commentators and some Republican lawmakers have publicly rebuked Noem, arguing her department’s aggressive immigration operations in Minnesota have overstepped boundaries.[2]
Noem is scheduled to testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee in March, where she will face further scrutiny.[2]
Background on the Minnesota Incidents
The impeachment drive stems directly from DHS operations in Minnesota targeting immigration enforcement. Democrats portray these as excessive force against communities, while Republicans defend them as necessary to uphold federal law amid rising border concerns.
Rep. Kelly, who spearheads the resolution, holds significant procedural power and could call for a floor vote at any time, though she has not indicated timing.[1]
Political Implications
With Republicans controlling the House, the impeachment resolution faces steep odds of passage. Zero GOP members have signed on as co-sponsors.[1] However, Democrats view the effort as a platform to highlight what they see as abuses under Trump’s DHS, potentially energizing their base ahead of future elections.
The leaders framed their ultimatum bluntly: “We can do this the easy way or the hard way.”[2] As co-sponsorship continues to grow, the standoff underscores deepening partisan divides over immigration enforcement and federal authority.
This developing story will see further movement as Democratic committee leaders initiate investigations and Noem prepares for her Senate appearance. House Democrats’ unified front signals they are prepared to escalate, regardless of White House resistance.
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