Democrats Escalate Demands for Homeland Security Secretary's Dismissal
Democratic lawmakers have significantly intensified their campaign for the immediate removal of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, following the controversial killing of Alex Pretti by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis. The incident has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed scrutiny of Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations under Noem's leadership.
Bipartisan Criticism Emerges Following Fatal Shooting
Senators from across the Democratic Party's ideological spectrum united in their condemnation of Secretary Noem's handling of the Minneapolis operation, which resulted in the deaths of two American citizens this month. The growing pressure comes as House representatives formally support impeachment articles against the cabinet secretary, marking a significant escalation in political tensions.
In a striking development, moderate Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania made a direct public appeal to President Donald Trump via social media platform X, urging the immediate dismissal of Noem. "Americans have died. She is betraying DHS's core mission and trashing your border security legacy," Fetterman wrote, drawing parallels to previous administration's handling of homeland security leadership.
Progressive and Moderate Voices Unite in Condemnation
The criticism extended across party factions, with progressive Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts highlighting Pretti's background as a Veterans Affairs nurse who was attempting to assist a woman when he was shot. "Alex Pretti wasn't a terrorist. He was a VA nurse. When agents pushed a woman to the ground, he tried to help her up. His last words were 'Are you okay?' Enough. Kristi Noem should resign," Warren declared in her social media statement.
Moderate Nevada Senator Jacky Rosen, who secured re-election in 2024 despite Trump winning her state's electoral votes, delivered particularly scathing criticism, describing Noem as "an abject failure" who either demonstrates incompetence in managing her department or endorses constitutional violations. Rosen's statement emphasised the urgency of impeachment proceedings against the homeland security secretary.
Impeachment Momentum Builds in House of Representatives
The political pressure has translated into concrete legislative action, with Illinois Congresswoman Robin Kelly introducing articles of impeachment following the earlier killing of Renée Good in the same Minneapolis operation. A spokesperson confirmed that 145 Democratic representatives have now co-sponsored the impeachment bill, including several lawmakers from politically competitive swing districts across New York, Ohio, and California.
This development represents a rare political move, as cabinet secretary impeachments remain historically uncommon. Before Republicans successfully impeached Alejandro Mayorkas in 2024, the only previous cabinet impeachment occurred in 1876 against War Secretary William Belknap, with neither official being convicted by the Senate.
Republican Response and Upcoming Congressional Testimony
Republican reactions have been notably more measured, though some criticism has emerged from within party ranks. Utah Senator John Curtis expressed disagreement with Noem's premature Department of Homeland Security response to the shooting, suggesting it weakened public confidence by being issued before all facts were established.
The political drama will continue to unfold in Washington, with the Republican-led Senate Judiciary Committee announcing that Secretary Noem will testify on 3rd March. This follows her previous refusal to appear before the committee last year, prompting Democratic ranking member Dick Durbin to question whether she will still hold her position when the scheduled testimony occurs.
Administration Response and Operational Changes
Speculation about Noem's standing within the Trump administration intensified after President Trump announced that "border czar" Tom Homan would assume control of the Minneapolis operation from Greg Bovino, a US Border Patrol official who reports directly to the homeland security secretary. This operational reassignment has been interpreted by political observers as a potential sign of diminishing confidence in Noem's leadership.
The secretary has defended the federal agents involved in Pretti's killing, stating they "fired defensive shots" and characterising the VA nurse as arriving at the scene with intent to inflict maximum damage and kill law enforcement personnel. These statements have further inflamed political tensions and strengthened Democratic determination to remove her from office.
