Hill Democrats — and Even Some Republicans — Plot an Exit for Noem

Bipartisan pressure mounts on Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem amid fallout from aggressive immigration enforcement and deadly shootings, sparking impeachment talk and calls for resignation

A growing bipartisan push on Capitol Hill is intensifying calls for the removal of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, with top House Democrats threatening impeachment and even some Republican lawmakers openly saying they’ve lost confidence in her leadership — a rare convergence in today’s sharply divided U.S. political landscape.

The internal pressure follows high‑profile controversies tied to federal immigration enforcement operations — notably in Minneapolis, where actions by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol resulted in the fatal shootings of U.S. citizens that have drawn national condemnation and political scrutiny.

Democrats Turn Up the Heat

House Democratic leaders, including Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Whip Katherine Clark, and Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar, issued a blunt statement in late January asserting that Noem must be fired immediately or they will move forward with impeachment proceedings in the House of Representatives.

The escalation reflects a shift among Democrats, who initially tried to avoid impeachment language in favor of broader oversight and reform demands. But a second fatal shooting of a U.S. citizen during aggressive ICE operations in Minneapolis convinced many Democratic lawmakers that a more forceful response was necessary.

In their statement, Democrats accused Noem and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) under her leadership of misusing taxpayer dollars, harming communities, and targeting law‑abiding immigrant families, characterizing recent deaths as part of a pattern of excessive force.

At least dozens of House Democrats have already expressed support for impeachment articles, bolstered by widespread outrage from their constituents and civil rights advocates. Some veteran Democrats who previously voted to confirm Noem’s appointment have even reconsidered their stance, underscoring the depth of discontent within the party.

Republican Unease Adds a New Dynamic

Perhaps even more noteworthy is the rare Republican unease over Noem’s performance. Two moderate GOP senators — Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Thom Tillis of North Carolina (retiring) — told reporters they believe Noem should leave her post. Their comments represent a significant crack in traditional party solidarity on cabinet appointments.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune declined to say whether he personally still has confidence in Noem following the Minneapolis incidents, describing the situation as an “inflection point” for how ICE is being used — language suggesting Republican discomfort with the ongoing controversy.

This Republican hesitancy is notable for two reasons: Noem was a high‑profile Trump appointee and former governor of South Dakota, and Republican leaders typically defend senior administration officials against Democratic attacks. The departure from that pattern signals concern over the political and ethical implications of far‑reaching immigration enforcement tactics.

The Controversy at the Heart of the Push

The immediate catalyst for the impeachment and resignation talk is a series of federal immigration enforcement operations that have drawn sharp criticism for their tactics and consequences. Among them are the deaths of U.S. citizens — including Alex Pretti and Renée Nicole Good — in Minneapolis when ICE or Border Patrol agents were involved in enforcement actions. The incidents sparked protests, public anger, and questions about the justification for lethal force.

Republicans have also been forced to confront criticism of their handling of the events. Some GOP lawmakers, traditionally supportive of strict immigration policy, have expressed concern that the administration’s public narrative about the incidents and its defense of Noem have been inadequate or misleading.

White House and Trump Response

Despite the mounting bipartisan pressure, President Donald Trump has repeatedly defended Noem, saying she is “doing a very good job” and rejecting calls for her resignation. He has resisted aligning with impeachment advocates, and multiple White House officials suggest that Noem’s job is not currently at risk.

Trump’s stance appears driven partly by political calculation; yielding to calls for Noem’s departure could be portrayed by his allies as conceding to Democratic pressure or weakening immigration enforcement posture ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

However, internal White House sources have reportedly expressed frustration with how Noem and other DHS leadership have handled backlash, leaving some administration figures uneasy even as they publicly defend her.

What Impeachment Would Mean

Impeachment of a cabinet official is rare in U.S. history and would require a majority vote in the House followed by conviction by a two‑thirds majority in the Senate — a high bar given current Republican control of both chambers. Democrats appear focused less on the outcome of removal than on highlighting political accountability and putting Republicans on record over immigration enforcement policies that resonate deeply with voters in some districts.

Democratic leaders also seek to use the impeachment threat as leverage in broader federal funding negotiations, with plans to withhold support for key DHS budget bills unless substantive reforms to ICE and related agencies are agreed upon as part of a spending package.

Broader Political Implications

The pressure campaign against Noem could reverberate far beyond her own future. It highlights:

Growing backlash against aggressive, enforcement‑focused immigration policy that has triggered public outrage.

Bipartisan divisions on government tactics that historically might have united Republicans.

The strategic use of impeachment not merely to remove an official but to spotlight contentious policy areas ahead of elections.

The risk for GOP lawmakers of being associated too closely with controversial federal actions, especially in swing districts.

Some Republicans worry that defending Noem and current enforcement tactics without any accountability could cost them political ground in the November 2026 midterms, giving Democrats a potent issue on which to campaign.

Looking Ahead

As impeachment talk gains momentum and bipartisan unease grows, Noem’s future remains uncertain. While the White House continues to back her publicly, the convergence of Democratic resolve and GOP discomfort represents one of the most significant political challenges Noem has faced in her tenure.

Whether this push results in her resignation, dismissal, or simply reshapes the national immigration debate, it underscores how quickly political fortunes can shift in Washington — especially when policy controversy intersects with public outrage and electoral politics.