By Micah Jonah, January 28, 2026
Democratic leaders in the United States Congress, alongside at least two Republican senators, have called for the removal of Homeland Security Secretary, Kristi Noem following the fatal shooting of two American citizens by immigration agents in Minnesota.
Leaders of the Democratic Party in the House of Representatives said impeachment proceedings would be initiated if President Donald Trump fails to dismiss the secretary, citing what they described as a breakdown in accountability and oversight within the Department of Homeland Security.
Republican Senators; Thom Tillis of North Carolina and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska also publicly stated that Noem should be removed from office, marking rare bipartisan criticism of a senior cabinet member in the current administration.
Despite the growing pressure, President Trump said he would not sack Noem, praising her performance, defending his administration’s border enforcement policies.
The Department of Homeland Security had earlier described the two civilians killed in Minnesota as aggressors, a claim disputed by video footage circulating publicly, which has intensified public and political scrutiny of the agency’s operations.
Democratic lawmakers have also refused to support new funding for the department, which is due to expire later in the week, as part of efforts to force changes in immigration enforcement practices.
An existing impeachment resolution sponsored by Representative Robin Kelly accuses Noem of obstructing Congress, violating public trust and using her office for personal benefit. The motion currently has more than 160 co sponsors but still requires a majority vote in the House to proceed.
Republicans currently hold a slim majority in the House and a stronger majority in the Senate, making the impeachment effort difficult unless a significant number of Republican lawmakers break ranks.
A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security dismissed the calls for impeachment, urging lawmakers to focus on legislative reforms rather than public criticism of enforcement agencies.
The development has added to growing political tension in Washington over immigration enforcement, civil rights and the conduct of federal security agencies, as the debate continues to divide both major political parties.
