Kristi Noem hit with impeachment articles after her Trump-approved ‘reign of terror’ grips America

Democratic Representative Robin Kelly just formally introduced articles of impeachment against President Trump’s homeland security secretary, Kristi Noem. This is a massive escalation, and it comes right after an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer tragically shot and killed a US citizen in Minneapolis last week.

The new push follows mounting national outrage over the death of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good, who was killed by ICE agents while driving her car on a residential street. This happened during one of the high-octane deployments of federal law enforcement that we’ve seen pop up in cities and towns nationwide. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey certainly isn’t pulling any punches about the incident. He called the shooting a reckless use of power and demanded that the agency immediately leave the city, according to The Hill.

“Renee Nicole Good is dead because Secretary Noem allowed her DHS agents to run amok,” Kelly stated during a press conference, per The Hill. She emphasized that because of these actions, “Families are forever torn apart.” Kelly, who is currently running for the Senate in Illinois, unveiled three specific impeachment articles leveled against the secretary: obstruction of Congress, “violation of public trust,” and “self-dealing.”

Kristi Noem may face justice for the methods she allows ICE to take

This move comes shortly after a deeply tragic incident in Minneapolis where an Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, officer fatally shot 37-year-old Renee Good. Kelly made it clear that she sees a direct link between the secretary’s policies and this death.

The congresswoman didn’t hold back when summarizing the impact of Noem’s tenure, stating that the secretary has cast a wide net of fear across the country. “Secretary Noem has brought her reign of terror to the Chicagoland area, L.A., New Orleans, Charlotte, Durham, and communities north to south to east to west,” Kelly said. She asserted that Noem absolutely “needs to be held accountable for her actions.”

The first article of impeachment focuses squarely on governmental oversight. Kelly alleges that Secretary Noem obstructed Congress by denying the congresswoman and other members access to “oversight of ICE detention facilities.” That’s a huge problem. When Congress can’t perform its oversight duties, the public can’t trust that proper procedures are being followed behind closed doors.

The second article details what Kelly calls a severe “violation of public trust,” focusing on the execution of immigration policy. Kelly claims that Secretary Noem instructed DHS agents to arrest people without warrants, use tear gas against citizens, and routinely ignore basic due process. You have to wonder about the justification for such intense tactics. Noem frequently argues she’s taking dangerous criminals, like “murderers and rapists,” off our streets.

However, Kelly pointed out that during a major operation in Chicago called “Operation Midway Blitz,” none of the 614 people arrested had actually been charged or convicted of murder or rape. That disparity is really concerning, and it makes the claims of extreme lawlessness seem questionable.

The third and final article accuses the secretary of “self-dealing,” suggesting she used her powerful position for personal gain. Kelly stated that Noem “abused her power for personal benefit,” specifically by steering a federal contract to a brand-new firm that was run by a friend. This sort of alleged corruption, if true, is simply unacceptable for a Cabinet official.

While this effort has gained significant traction, it’s important to remember the political reality in Washington right now. The measure currently has the support of almost 70 members of Congress, and Kelly expects that number to keep growing as people learn more about the situation. She mentioned she has spoken with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries about the effort.

However, the House is currently controlled by the GOP, which means that passing these articles is highly unlikely. We saw last year, though, that the House can impeach a Cabinet official, as former Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas was impeached in a narrow 214-213 vote. That set a precedent, but getting the votes needed this time will be a much steeper climb.

Kelly delivered a final, powerful warning directly to the secretary. “I want to tell her right now: Secretary Noem, you have violated your oath of office, and there will be consequences,” she said. “I am watching you, members of Congress are watching you, the American people most importantly are watching you. And most of all, we are not liking what we’re seeing.”