House Democrats File Impeachment Articles Against DHS Secretary Kristi Noem After Minneapolis Shooting
Nearly 70 House Democrats introduced three impeachment articles against DHS Secretary Kristi Noem after an ICE-involved Minneapolis shooting, citing obstruction, public-trust violations, and alleged self-dealing.
Overview
Who: Rep. Robin Kelly led the filing, joined by roughly 70 House Democrats including Reps. Ilhan Omar, Maxine Dexter, and others across different intraparty factions.
What: Articles charge Noem with obstruction of Congress, violating public trust, and self-dealing, citing denied oversight, warrantless arrests, use of force, and a $200 million ad contract.
When/Where: The move followed last week's fatal ICE-involved shooting of Minneapolis resident Renee Nicole Good and protests in multiple cities, prompting national attention and congressional hearings.
How: Supporters point to video, local leaders' disputes of DHS accounts, and alleged exclusion from facilities; DHS defends agents' actions and calls the effort 'silly'.
Why/Outlook: Democrats say accountability is necessary; leaders debate strategy as impeachment faces long odds in a Republican House but could shape oversight and funding debates.
Analysis
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Sources (9)
FAQ
The articles charge Noem with: 1) obstruction of Congress by barring lawmakers from DHS facilities and withholding funds; 2) violation of public trust through warrantless arrests, due process denials, and excessive force; 3) self-dealing by awarding a $200-220 million contract to a firm linked to her spokesperson's spouse.
The articles followed the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis last week, which sparked nationwide protests and disputes over DHS's account of the event.
Rep. Robin Kelly (D-IL) led the filing, with over 70 House Democrats signing on as co-sponsors, including Reps. Ilhan Omar, Maxine Dexter, John Larson, Diana DeGette, and Brittney Pettersen.
The impeachment faces long odds in a Republican-controlled House requiring a simple majority and a two-thirds Senate majority, but Democrats view it as a step for accountability and shaping future oversight debates.
DHS called the impeachment effort 'silly' and defended the ICE agent's actions in the Minneapolis shooting as self-defense, stating no investigation is needed.
History
5 sources