Top House Democrats have issued an ultimatum to President Donald Trump, demanding the dismissal of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, or face impeachment proceedings. The escalation comes in the wake of the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis by federal agents, an incident that has reignited scrutiny over immigration enforcement practices and the oversight of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Two Republican senators have also publicly called for Noem to step down, signaling bipartisan concern over her management of the agency during a period of heightened tensions.
The Democrats’ warning follows a growing chorus of criticism after the death of Pretti, a 37-year-old U.S. citizen and Veterans Affairs nurse, who was fatally shot by federal officers during an immigration enforcement operation in Minnesota. This incident mirrors the earlier killing of Renee Good, another U.S. citizen who died under similar circumstances earlier this month. The House leadership, including Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and deputies Katherine Clark and Pete Aguilar, condemned the “violence unleashed on the American people by the Department of Homeland Security,” calling for immediate action. “Kristi Noem should be fired immediately, or we will commence impeachment proceedings in the House of Representatives,” they declared in a joint statement. “We can do this the easy way or the hard way.”
Despite these calls, President Trump publicly defended Noem, praising her leadership and asserting, “I think she’s doing a very good job. The border is totally secure.” Nonetheless, the growing frustration extends across party lines. Republican senators Thom Tillis of North Carolina and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska have voiced sharp criticism of Noem, arguing that her oversight of DHS has contributed to chaotic conditions and avoidable tragedies. Tillis stated that Noem’s conduct “should be disqualifying,” while Murkowski emphasized the need for accountability for the “chaos and some of the tragedy” that have occurred under her watch.
Other Republicans have advocated for more measured responses, suggesting policy reforms and a review of Pretti’s killing rather than demanding her immediate resignation. Meanwhile, the Democratic caucus has moved swiftly to formalize legislative pressure. Congresswoman Robin Kelly introduced articles of impeachment, which have already garnered support from 162 of the 213 House Democrats, including representatives in both safe and politically vulnerable districts, such as Pat Ryan and Laura Gillen of New York, Greg Landsman of Ohio, and Dave Min of California.
In the Senate, Democrats have threatened to block funding for DHS unless ICE-related operations are reviewed, raising the possibility of a partial government shutdown when current spending authorizations expire. Several moderate Democratic senators, including John Fetterman of Pennsylvania and Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, have joined the calls for Noem to step aside. Fetterman argued that Noem’s actions constitute a betrayal of DHS’s core mission and warned against repeating mistakes from the Biden administration, referencing perceived failings in border security under former Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. Warren highlighted the circumstances of Pretti’s death, noting that he was a nurse attempting to help a woman when he was fatally shot. “Alex Pretti wasn’t a terrorist,” she wrote. “Enough. Kristi Noem should resign.”
Nevada Senator Jacky Rosen also criticized Noem, calling her “an abject failure” and accusing her of either incompetence or tacit approval of constitutional violations. Rosen stated that Noem “must be impeached and removed from office immediately,” further intensifying the political pressure surrounding the DHS secretary’s position.
In response to the scrutiny, the Republican-led Senate Judiciary Committee announced that Noem will testify on March 3. Senate Democrats, including ranking member Dick Durbin, questioned the delay, noting that Noem had previously declined to appear before the committee and raising concerns over whether she should remain in office while investigations and reviews continue.
Speculation regarding Noem’s standing with President Trump increased after he designated Tom Homan, a longtime border enforcement official, to take over operations in Minneapolis, effectively replacing Greg Bovino, who reports directly to Noem. The reassignment has been interpreted by some observers as a signal of potential waning confidence in her leadership.
The prospect of impeaching a cabinet secretary is historically rare. Prior to the 2024 GOP-led impeachment of Mayorkas, only one cabinet member had been impeached—Secretary of War William Belknap in 1876. In both cases, the Senate did not convict. Legal scholars note that impeachment of a sitting secretary is a complex and politically charged process, often requiring overwhelming congressional support and careful navigation of constitutional provisions.
Noem herself has defended her actions, describing the officers’ use of force in the Pretti incident as defensive. She asserted that Pretti “arrived at the scene to inflict maximum damage on individuals and to kill law enforcement,” framing the operation as a legitimate protective measure. However, a number of Republicans have criticized the premature nature of her statements and the apparent lack of coordination with local authorities. Utah Senator John Curtis expressed disagreement with Noem’s initial response, while Maine Senator Susan Collins called for a pause and review of immigration enforcement operations in Minnesota and her own state to ensure they were “more targeted in their scope.”
The controversy over Noem’s role has exposed deeper tensions within the federal government regarding immigration enforcement policies, oversight of federal agents, and accountability in cases involving civilian casualties. As debate continues, both parties are weighing their political and legislative options, from policy reform to impeachment, amid growing public scrutiny and widespread media coverage.
The events surrounding Noem’s leadership highlight the delicate balance between maintaining border security and protecting civil liberties. Recent incidents in Minneapolis have intensified national debate over how federal agencies interact with local communities, raising broader questions about operational transparency, procedural safeguards, and the ethical responsibilities of top officials. As pressure mounts from both Democrats and Republicans, Noem’s future at DHS remains uncertain, with potential consequences for agency policy, political alignment, and public trust in federal law enforcement.
Emily Johnson is a critically acclaimed essayist and novelist known for her thought-provoking works centered on feminism, women’s rights, and modern relationships. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Emily grew up with a deep love of books, often spending her afternoons at her local library. She went on to study literature and gender studies at UCLA, where she became deeply involved in activism and began publishing essays in campus journals. Her debut essay collection, Voices Unbound, struck a chord with readers nationwide for its fearless exploration of gender dynamics, identity, and the challenges faced by women in contemporary society. Emily later transitioned into fiction, writing novels that balance compelling storytelling with social commentary. Her protagonists are often strong, multidimensional women navigating love, ambition, and the struggles of everyday life, making her a favorite among readers who crave authentic, relatable narratives. Critics praise her ability to merge personal intimacy with universal themes. Off the page, Emily is an advocate for women in publishing, leading workshops that encourage young female writers to embrace their voices. She lives in Seattle with her partner and two rescue cats, where she continues to write, teach, and inspire a new generation of storytellers.
