Kristi Noem faces impeachment over ICE shootings, blocked oversight

Kelly introduces three articles of impeachment

Rep. Robin Kelly of Illinois formally introduced articles of impeachment against DHS Secretary Kristi Noem on Jan. 14, 2026.

The three articles charge Noem with obstruction of Congress, violation of public trust, and self-dealing. The resolution has since gained 187 Democratic cosponsors.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said Democrats will “commence impeachment proceedings” if President Trump does not fire Noem, though Jeffries clarified that means a formal investigation led by Judiciary Committee ranking member Jamie Raskin, not an immediate floor vote.

DHS launched massive Minneapolis operation

In December 2025, DHS launched Operation Metro Surge in Minneapolis, sending thousands of federal agents into the city for immigration enforcement.

DHS called it the largest immigration enforcement operation ever carried out.

The operation quickly drew criticism for warrantless arrests, aggressive tactics, and confrontations with residents and protesters. Two fatal shootings of U.S. citizens by federal agents in January would turn the operation into a national crisis.

ICE agent fatally shot Renee Good

Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother, died after an ICE agent shot her in Minneapolis on Jan. 7, 2026.

Federal officials said the agent acted in self-defense and that Good tried to ram them with her car. Bystander video contradicted the administration’s account.

Good’s killing set off widespread protests in Minneapolis and other cities across the country.

Border Patrol agents killed Alex Pretti

Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse at a VA hospital, died after Border Patrol agents shot him on Jan. 24.

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said Pretti had a Minnesota state permit to carry a firearm and no criminal record.

Multiple bystander videos contradicted administration claims that Pretti violently attacked officers. The Hennepin County Medical Examiner ruled his death a homicide.

Videos contradicted administration claims about both shootings

Bystander smartphone footage of both shootings spread fast across social media.

News organizations analyzed the videos and found they contradicted Trump administration statements about both incidents.

Administration officials initially called Good a “domestic terrorist” and accused Pretti of trying to attack law enforcement. Eyewitnesses, journalists, and video evidence from the scenes disputed those claims.

Some Republicans called for Noem’s removal

Republican Senators Thom Tillis of North Carolina and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska called for Noem’s removal. Tillis said what Noem did in Minnesota “should be disqualifying” and called it amateurish.

The House Homeland Security Committee, led by Republican Chairman Andrew Garbarino, scheduled hearings with ICE and CBP officials. A growing number of Republicans called for investigations into ICE conduct on the ground.

Trump sent Homan to take over

On Jan. 27, President Trump sent border czar Tom Homan to Minneapolis to oversee operations.

Homan replaced Border Patrol Chief Gregory Bovino, who went back to the southern border. The leadership change signaled that the administration recognized the operation had gone too far.

Homan met with Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz to discuss next steps.

Homan pulled 700 agents from Minnesota

On Feb. 4, Homan announced the immediate withdrawal of 700 federal law enforcement personnel from Minnesota. About 2,000 federal agents remained in the state after the drawdown.

Homan said operations would shift to targeted enforcement, the way ICE has traditionally operated for decades. He added that a complete drawdown depends on continued cooperation from state and local officials.

DHS ordered body cameras for officers

On Feb. 2, Noem announced all DHS officers in Minneapolis would get body cameras immediately.

Homan said some agents had cameras and some did not, calling the inconsistency unacceptable. The administration said it plans to expand the body camera program nationwide as funding allows.

Former President Joe Biden had ordered federal officers to wear body cameras in 2022, but Trump rescinded that directive.

Impeachment faces long odds in House

Democrats hold the minority in the House and cannot force an impeachment vote without Republican support. They have held unofficial hearings to build their case against Noem.

DHS called the impeachment effort “silly” and said Noem enforces laws passed by Congress. Trump said “no” when asked if Noem would leave her post, calling her work very good.

Poll shows 52 percent support impeachment

A Data for Progress poll conducted Jan. 30 to Feb. 2 found 52 percent of likely voters support impeaching Noem. Only 36 percent said they opposed it.

Support broke down to 80 percent of Democrats, 54 percent of independents, and 21 percent of Republicans. ICE favorability dropped from about 50 percent in January 2025 to 39 percent in the same polling period.

Lawsuits and investigations move forward

The DOJ opened a civil rights investigation into Pretti’s death but not Good’s. Minnesota’s attorney general, Minneapolis, and St. Paul filed a joint lawsuit against DHS to halt Operation Metro Surge.

A federal judge denied the state’s request to immediately stop the operation, but the lawsuit continues.

State authorities have not ruled out bringing criminal charges against the federal officers involved in both shootings.

This article was created with AI assistance and human editing.

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