U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (D-Ill.) said on the House floor that she plans to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, arguing that Noem has violated the Constitution and must be held accountable for what Kelly described as DHS actions that have “terrorized” communities. (C-SPAN)
Kelly followed through on that pledge on January 14, 2026, formally introducing a House resolution seeking Noem’s impeachment and saying the effort had drawn about 70 Democratic co-sponsors. (Congresswoman Robin Kelly) The resolution is filed as H.Res. 996 and lays out three impeachment articles: obstruction of Congress, violation of public trust, and self-dealing. (Congress.gov)
What sparked the impeachment push
The impeachment effort escalated after the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good, 37, in Minneapolis on January 7, 2026, during an encounter involving federal immigration agents. The shooting ignited protests and intensified scrutiny of immigration enforcement tactics. (TIME)
Federal officials have characterized aspects of the incident in stark terms, while local officials and video evidence cited in reporting have raised questions about the government’s account—fueling calls for investigations and congressional action. (TIME)
What Kelly’s resolution alleges
In her public announcement and in the text of the resolution, Kelly and co-sponsors argue that Noem’s leadership at DHS has included actions they say undermine constitutional rights and congressional oversight. The resolution’s articles include claims that DHS has obstructed oversight, abused authority in ways that violate public trust, and engaged in improper conduct tied to contracting and internal decision-making. (Congresswoman Robin Kelly)
Administration response and political reality
Noem and DHS allies have dismissed the impeachment effort as politically motivated, and the move faces steep odds in the Republican-controlled House, where leadership has not indicated support for taking it up. (TIME)
Even so, the filing keeps pressure on DHS as legal and political challenges mount. On January 17, 2026, a federal judge in Minnesota issued an injunction limiting certain actions by immigration agents toward peaceful protesters in Minneapolis following demonstrations tied to Good’s death. (Reuters)
What happens next
Articles of impeachment can be introduced by any House member, but moving them forward typically requires committee action and backing from House leadership. If the House were to approve impeachment by a simple majority, the matter would then go to the Senate for a trial—where removal would require a two-thirds vote.
For now, Kelly’s move signals an intensifying fight over DHS enforcement tactics, accountability, and how far Congress should go in response to the Minneapolis shooting and related controversies. (TIME)
