WATCH: Dems call for Noem’s impeachment, dismantling DHS

By Emily Rodriguez and Andrew Rice
The Center Square

A coalition of Democrat lawmakers called for the impeachment of Kristi Noem, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security secretary, on Tuesday.

The group coalesced around U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly, D-Ill., who introduced articles of impeachment against Noem on Jan. 14 after the fatal shooting of Renee Good in Minneapolis.

The articles accuse Noem of withholding federal funds for FEMA programs, and preventing lawmakers from accessing ICE detention facilities.

“Noem go home” and “ICE out” were the main chants of the Democrat lawmakers, which the crowd joined in.

President Donald Trump has said he continues to support the work Noem is doing.

Kelly told The Center Square Noem’s leadership of DHS has cost taxpayers. She criticized immigration enforcement policies and withholding of FEMA money, and acknowledged reports of improper spending between DHS and a firm closely tied to Noem.

Democrat lawmakers have called for an investigation over a $220 million ad campaign from DHS. A review of documents by ProPublica appeared to find that a firm closely linked to Noem was awarded taxpayer dollars as part of the DHS ad campaign.

“She spent $200 million on commercials to attract new ICE agents and that $200 million went to her friends,” Kelly said.

Various Democrats shared different messages on the future of ICE’s operations. Some called for abolishing or defunding ICE. Other lawmakers like Kelly called for dismantling the Department of Homeland Security.

“I say dismantle ICE; we know we need enforcement,” Kelly said. “I think we need to dismantle ICE, to actually dismantle the Department of Homeland Security and rebuild it and decide what belongs in that agency and what doesn’t.”

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security oversees ICE, Customs and Border Protection, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Secret Service and TSA. Kelly said agencies like FEMA should continue to be included and funded at similar levels.

“Let’s dismantle ICE. Let’s reorganize a system that is really in compassion and respect for the Constitution and due process,” Rep. Chuy Garcia, D-Ill., said.

Christopher Thompson, a U.S. citizen, attended the rally outside the ICE headquarters in support of Kelly’s intentions.

“I’m a loyal, patriotic American. These are the foundational documents and the things we fought for in the American Revolution, and this administration and this particular agency is undoing an awful lot of the things we fought for,” Thompson said. “I’m here to help try to save our country from what looks like an invasion of fascism.”

Rep. Illhan Omar, D-Minn., also called for the impeachment of Noem and criticized U.S. Homeland Security Advisor Stephen Miller. She pointed to the fatal shootings of two American citizens in Minneapolis over the past month to justify Noem’s impeachment.

“When we say there needs to be accountability for the architect of the terror we are experiencing in Minneapolis and so many other cities – which is Stephen Miller – we mean we need accountability for him now,” Omar said.

“If Kristi Noem does not resign or the president doesn’t fire her, Democrats are ready and willing to impeach her,” Omar said.