Calls to Impeach Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem Grow

Democratic House leaders endorse removing Noem from office amid anger over federal agent shootings in Minneapolis

Jan. 28, 2026 at 1:39pm by Ben Kaplan

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Democratic House leaders have endorsed removing Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem from office, throwing institutional support behind a growing campaign to impeach her. The effort is a long shot, as Democrats are the minority in the House and would need Republican support to bring charges for "high crimes and misdemeanors" and secure a conviction in the Senate. However, the push has gained momentum in recent weeks amid outrage over multiple fatal shootings by federal agents in Minneapolis.

Why it matters

The impeachment of a cabinet secretary is highly unusual, though not unprecedented. This effort reflects the deep partisan divisions and tensions over immigration enforcement under the Trump administration, with Democrats accusing Noem and the Department of Homeland Security of using excessive force and failing to provide proper oversight. The outcome could have significant implications for the administration's immigration agenda and the balance of power in Washington.

The details

The impeachment effort was introduced two weeks ago, accusing Noem of illegally preventing members of Congress from conducting oversight of detention facilities, conducting warrantless arrests, and funneling federal funds to friends' businesses. The measure now has more than 150 cosponsors, about three-quarters of House Democrats. The push gained additional momentum following the recent killings of two Minneapolis residents by federal agents. While the public outrage has caused Trump to shift his approach in Minneapolis, he has so far stood behind Noem, saying she is "doing a very good job" and should not step down.

  • The impeachment effort was introduced two weeks ago.
  • Democratic House leaders endorsed removing Noem from office on Tuesday.

The players

Kristi Noem

The current Homeland Security Secretary under the Trump administration.

Hakeem Jeffries

The House Minority Leader.

Katherine Clark

The House Minority Whip.

Pete Aguilar

The Democratic Caucus Chair.

Lisa Murkowski

A moderate Republican senator from Alaska.

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What they’re saying

“The violence unleashed on the American people by the Department of Homeland Security must end forthwith. Kristi Noem should be fired immediately, or we will commence impeachment proceedings in the House of Representatives. We can do this the easy way or the hard way.”

— Hakeem Jeffries, Katherine Clark, Pete Aguilar, House Democratic Leaders (sfchronicle.com)

“Too many politicians would rather defend criminals and attack the men and women who are enforcing our laws and did nothing while Joe Biden facilitated an invasion of tens of millions of illegal aliens into our country. It's time they focus on protecting the American people, the work this Department is doing every day under Secretary Noem's leadership.”

— Tricia McLaughlin, Spokesperson, Department of Homeland Security (sfchronicle.com)

What’s next

The Senate is facing a looming crisis over immigration enforcement as it tries to keep the government funded past Friday. Democrats have said they will not vote to approve new funding for the Department of Homeland Security unless it comes with accountability measures for ICE, such as requiring judicial warrants and banning agents from wearing masks.

The takeaway

The push to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem reflects the deep partisan divisions and tensions over immigration enforcement under the Trump administration. While the effort is a long shot, it highlights the growing anger among Democrats over the use of excessive force by federal agents and the lack of oversight and accountability within the Department of Homeland Security.