New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is calling for the resignation of Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, escalating pressure on the Trump administration as controversy grows around federal immigration enforcement operations.
“Kristi Noem has forfeited her right to lead. I’m calling on her to resign. Gregory Bovino must also be fired,” Hochul said in a statement. “No one, not an ICE agent, not a federal officer, not a president, is above the law.”
Hochul also urged the removal of Gregory Bovino, the federal law enforcement official overseeing some of the operations drawing the most criticism, and framed her demand as a matter of legal accountability and constitutional governance.
Her remarks come amid rising national backlash over Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity and broader DHS enforcement tactics—particularly following Operation Metro Surge in Minneapolis, where a U.S. citizen was fatally shot by federal agents during an enforcement action. The incident triggered protests in multiple cities and intensified calls from lawmakers, civil rights advocates, and local officials for closer oversight of DHS operations and leadership decisions.
House Democrats Back Impeachment Push
In Washington, opposition to Noem has moved beyond public criticism into formal action. One hundred House Democrats have signed on as co-sponsors of articles of impeachment against Noem, nearly doubling support for a resolution introduced by Rep. Robin Kelly of Illinois in about a week.
Kelly has argued that the growing list of co-sponsors reflects broad concern over ICE tactics and DHS direction under Noem. Supporters of the impeachment effort accuse Noem of misconduct including lying, obstructing Congress, and violating civil rights. The articles cite obstruction of Congress, violation of public trust, and self-dealing tied to DHS contracts as grounds for removal.
Hochul Positions Her Demand as a Rule-of-Law Issue
Hochul, who has often presented herself as a defender of immigrant rights and constitutional guardrails, has repeatedly pushed for a more restrained and accountable approach to immigration enforcement. She has supported pathways to citizenship for undocumented immigrants and opposed hardline federal policies she argues undermine due process and community safety.
By demanding both Noem’s resignation and Bovino’s removal, Hochul places herself among the most outspoken state leaders challenging the federal enforcement posture. Her intervention aligns with those arguing DHS operations have crossed legal boundaries and increased risks for civilians as well as law enforcement.
A Political Fight That’s Accelerating
The impeachment effort signals how quickly the political fight over DHS enforcement has intensified. Kelly and other supporters allege DHS has interfered with congressional oversight—including claims that lawmakers were blocked from visiting DHS facilities—while also raising questions about detention practices, enforcement conduct, and contract awards they say point to a broader pattern of abuse and mismanagement.
Hochul’s statement adds a high-profile state executive voice to a debate that is rapidly expanding beyond Capitol Hill. Whether the pressure results in leadership changes at DHS or reshapes the impeachment effort remains uncertain, but the conflict over federal immigration enforcement—and who is accountable for it—continues to sharpen.
