Democrats Accelerate Impeachment Drive Against DHS Secretary Noem After Minneapolis Shooting
Updated (2 articles)
Impeachment Motion Launched After Federal Agent Shooting On January 7, 2026, ICE agent Jonathan E. Ross shot 37‑year‑old Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis, claiming she tried to strike officers with her vehicle[2]. Two days later, Rep. Robin Kelly (D‑IL) announced a three‑article impeachment resolution accusing Secretary Kristi Noem of obstruction, public‑trust violations, and self‑dealing in ICE oversight[1][2]. The move follows growing outrage over the killing and frames Noem’s leadership as “incompetent”[1].
Democratic Lawmakers Add Cosponsors and Public Statements Representatives Yassamin Ansari and Raja Krishnamoorthi joined Kelly as cosponsors, while candidate Brian Varela publicly urged impeachment[2]. Earlier, Rep. Delia Ramirez had called for Noem’s resignation or impeachment, accusing her of misleading Congress and misusing funds[1]. The expanding Democratic backing underscores a coordinated effort to pressure the DHS secretary despite limited bipartisan support.
DHS Defends Noem and Highlights ICE Officer Assaults A DHS spokesperson dismissed the impeachment push as “silly,” urging lawmakers to focus on the sharp rise in assaults against ICE officers rather than political theater[1]. The agency emphasized public‑safety priorities and warned that politicizing the issue could distract from protecting immigration enforcement personnel[1].
Investigation Handled by FBI, State Agency Withdraws The FBI assumed primary jurisdiction over Good’s death, conducting the criminal probe while Minnesota’s Bureau of Criminal Apprehension withdrew from a joint inquiry after the FBI refused to share evidence[2]. The BCA’s superintendent described the withdrawal as reluctant, highlighting tension between federal and state investigative bodies[2].
Political Odds Remain Low for Impeachment Passage With the House under Republican control and a two‑thirds Senate majority required for conviction, experts deem the impeachment of a cabinet official unlikely to succeed[1][2]. Observers note that no prior cabinet member has been removed through impeachment, and partisan divisions further diminish prospects for advancement[2].
Sources
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1.
Newsweek: DHS Defends Noem as Impeachment Effort Surfaces in Congress: focuses on DHS’s “silly” comment, rising ICE officer assaults, and details Kelly’s impeachment plan and expanding Democratic cosponsor list.
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2.
Newsweek: Democrats push impeachment of Kristi Noem after Minneapolis shooting: emphasizes the three‑count impeachment charges, FBI‑led investigation, Minnesota BCA’s withdrawal, and analysis of the low likelihood of legislative success.
Timeline
Dec 2025 – Representative Delia Ramirez urges Secretary Kristi Noem to resign or face impeachment, accusing her of misleading Congress, misusing funds, and pressing for a DHS leadership investigation [1].
Jan 7, 2026 – ICE agent Jonathan E. Ross fatally shoots 37‑year‑old Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis after she allegedly drives toward officers, igniting nationwide outrage over ICE conduct and Noem’s leadership [2].
Jan 7‑8, 2026 – The FBI assumes lead on the Good shooting investigation; Minnesota’s Bureau of Criminal Apprehension withdraws from a joint inquiry after the FBI refuses to share evidence, stating the agency “reluctantly withdrew” [2].
Jan 9, 2026 – Representative Robin Kelly announces a three‑count impeachment resolution against Secretary Noem, alleging obstruction of congressional oversight, public‑trust violations, and self‑dealing by steering funds to associates, and labels Noem “incompetent” [1][2].
Jan 9, 2026 – DHS spokesperson calls the impeachment push “silly,” urges lawmakers to prioritize public safety over political theatrics, and warns of a sharp rise in assaults on ICE officers, framing the debate as a distraction from frontline threats [1].
Jan 9, 2026 – Representatives Yassamin Ansari and Raja Krishnamoorthi join as cosponsors, with Ansari demanding a full independent investigation and Krishnamoorthi signaling support; Democratic candidate Brian Varela also backs the impeachment effort [2].
Jan 9, 2026 – Analysts note that impeachment of a cabinet official is rare and would require bipartisan support in a Republican‑controlled House and a two‑thirds Senate vote, making conviction unlikely and prompting expectations of continued protests in Minnesota and beyond [1].
Early 2026 (ongoing) – Protests against ICE operations and the Noem administration continue across Minnesota and other states, reflecting public demand for accountability after the Good shooting and the impeachment push [1].