Rep. Robin Kelly filed a resolution accusing Kristi Noem of obstruction of Congress, civil-rights violations involving ICE detainees, and approving $220 million in contested contracts; the measure has reached 100 House Democratic co-sponsors. Representative Jared Huffman added his name despite acknowledging the effort’s slim chance in a GOP-controlled Congress. DHS called the initiative "silly," and The Daily Beast has sought comment. Important correction: Noem is the Governor of South Dakota, not the U.S. Homeland Security Secretary — and impeachment of a state governor would fall under state jurisdiction, not the U.S. House.
100 House Democrats Back Effort Targeting Kristi Noem — Claims, Controversy and Key Corrections
Alex Brandon / Pool / AFP via Getty Images
Support among House Democrats for removing Kristi Noem from office surged to 100 co-sponsors after Illinois Representative Robin Kelly filed a resolution accusing Noem of misconduct. The document — which Kelly and her allies have characterized as articles of impeachment — levels several serious allegations, including obstruction of Congress, civil-rights violations of people detained by ICE, and approval of $220 million in questionable contracts.
Kelly’s filing grew from 53 co-sponsors last Tuesday to 100, an unusually rapid increase that Democratic aides describe as a message to the administration even though its chances of succeeding in Congress are slim.
Key Allegations
Kristi Noem is known for her love of cosplaying and highly stylized anti-immigration photo ops. / Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images
The resolution alleges that Noem routinely denied lawmakers access to Department of Homeland Security facilities and withheld congressionally appropriated disaster relief funds — conduct Kelly’s office calls "obstruction of Congress." It also accuses Noem of allowing people detained by ICE to suffer violations of their First and Fourth Amendment rights and of engaging in "self-dealing" after reports that she approved roughly $220 million in contracts tied to a company connected to the husband of her chief spokesperson.
The filing followed widespread condemnation of comments by Noem and other officials about the fatal shooting of Minneapolis mother Renee Goodby by ICE agent Jonathan Ross. Kelly’s complaint states that Noem and other administration officials attempted to portray Goodby as a "domestic terrorist" who tried to "run over" the agent — a characterization critics say conflicts with video evidence showing Goodby turning away from the officer when she was shot.
"Secretary Noem and her rogue agency have caused destruction and devastation across the country," Kelly said after her resolution reached 100 co-sponsors. "As Secretary Noem continues to lie, obstruct Congress, and violate people’s civil rights, the support for her impeachment only grows. I urge my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to be on the right side of the law and our Constitution."
California Representative Jared Huffman, who previously criticized other Democratic impeachment pushes, told Axios he was "under no illusions about whether it has a chance of passing" in a GOP-controlled House and Senate, but that "the circumstances are so extreme that a message needs to be sent."
Nearly half of the 213-member House Democratic caucus now supports Rep. Robin Kelly's impeachment bid against Kristi Noem. / Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images
Responses And Legal Context
A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson previously dismissed Kelly’s effort as a "silly" initiative conducted during a "serious time," and The Daily Beast has contacted DHS for further comment.
Fact Check And Jurisdictional Note
Important correction: Kristi Noem is the Governor of South Dakota, not the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security. The U.S. House of Representatives can impeach federal officers (cabinet secretaries, judges, and the president), but it does not have authority to impeach a state governor; impeachment of a state governor is handled under that state's constitution and legislature. The reporting and some comments around this resolution have conflated Noem’s state role with that of a federal official, which raises significant legal and constitutional questions about the filing’s purpose and potential effect.
This article has been edited to clarify those jurisdictional issues and to flag factual errors in initial coverage. Readers should watch for follow-up reporting that confirms the exact nature of Kelly’s resolution, the legal basis cited by sponsors, and any formal responses from Noem or state authorities.
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