Rep. Ramirez demands Noem impeachment and ICE abolition after closed-door DHS meeting

Congresswoman confronts Homeland Security Secretary over "lawlessness and violations of our civil rights"

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Rep. Delia Ramirez (D-Ill.) met with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem behind closed doors and emerged demanding the impeachment of Noem, the abolition of ICE, and the dismantling of the Department of Homeland Security. Ramirez accused Noem of "lawlessness and violations of our civil rights" and presented a list of policy changes she wanted, but Noem showed no interest in acknowledging them.

Why it matters

This confrontation highlights the growing divide between Democrats who want to reform immigration enforcement and those who want to eliminate it entirely. Ramirez's stated goals of abolishing ICE and dismantling DHS represent a more extreme position that goes beyond calls for oversight and accountability.

The details

Ramirez, who serves on the Homeland Security Committee, described the sit-down as "heated and tense." She said she confronted Noem over what she called "lawlessness and violations of our civil rights" at DHS and demanded a series of policy changes, including prohibiting officers from entering sensitive locations, a standardized use of force policy, an end to "warrantless" arrests and searches, and better standards of care for migrants in ICE detention facilities. However, Noem showed no interest in acknowledging any of Ramirez's demands.

  • Ramirez requested the meeting with Noem back in December 2025.
  • The meeting between Ramirez and Noem took place on Wednesday, February 26, 2026.

The players

Rep. Delia Ramirez

A Democratic Congresswoman from Illinois who serves on the Homeland Security Committee. She has called for the impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and the abolition of ICE and the Department of Homeland Security.

Kristi Noem

The current Homeland Security Secretary, a Republican appointed by the Trump administration. Ramirez has accused Noem of "lawlessness and violations of our civil rights" at DHS.

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What they’re saying

“Today, I met with Secretary Kristi Noem and, again, confronted and held her accountable for her lawlessness and violations of our civil rights.”

— Rep. Delia Ramirez, U.S. Representative (X)

“There is no outcome of today's meeting that could sway me from my commitment to abolish ICE, dismantle DHS, and ensure every person who has violated our rights is held accountable.”

— Rep. Delia Ramirez, U.S. Representative (NBC News)

What’s next

Ramirez has already called for Noem's impeachment and accused her of committing "impeachable offenses." The confrontation is likely to escalate as Ramirez continues to push for the abolition of ICE and the dismantling of DHS.

The takeaway

This clash between Ramirez and Noem highlights the growing divide within the Democratic Party over immigration enforcement. Ramirez represents a more extreme position that goes beyond calls for reform, seeking to eliminate key federal agencies responsible for enforcing immigration laws. This sets up a potential showdown between those who want to overhaul the system and those who want to dismantle it entirely.