Top House Democrats have issued an ultimatum to President Donald Trump, demanding the dismissal of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, or they will initiate impeachment proceedings. This response comes after the recent shooting death of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, following a pattern of violence in immigration enforcement operations overseen by her department.

Democratic leaders in the House have rallied considerable support, with a majority of the caucus signing articles of impeachment earlier this month. The articles were prompted by the tragic killing of another U.S. citizen, Renee Good, by federal agents in an escalating crackdown in Minnesota’s largest city.

“The violence unleashed on the American people by the Department of Homeland Security must end immediately. Kristi Noem should be fired without delay, or we will pursue impeachment in the House of Representatives,” stated Hakeem Jeffries, the House Minority Leader, alongside deputies Katherine Clark and Pete Aguilar. “We can do this the easy way or the hard way.”

Despite the uproar, President Trump expressed his support for Noem, asserting during a press briefing: “I think she’s doing a very good job. The border is totally secure.” However, frustration appears to be mounting within his party, as two Republican senators have joined the call for her resignation. Retiring North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis remarked that Noem’s conduct “should be disqualifying,” while Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski emphasized the need for accountability in light of the recent tragedies.

Numerous Republicans are advocating for substantial policy reforms at the Department of Homeland Security and a thorough review of Pretti’s death. Representative Robin Kelly introduced the impeachment articles, which have been co-sponsored by 162 of the 213 House Democrats, indicating a significant shift in public opinion regarding immigration enforcement.

This group includes both vulnerable lawmakers and those holding secure seats, such as Pat Ryan and Laura Gillen from New York, Greg Landsman from Ohio, and Dave Min from California.

In the Senate, Democrats are threatening to block funding measures for the Department of Homeland Security, particularly because of the inclusion of funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Republicans have declined to separate this bill from five other government funding measures, raising the possibility of a partial government shutdown as the current spending authorizations expire.

A growing number of senators across the Democratic spectrum have echoed calls for Noem’s ouster. Among them, Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman delivered a pointed message on social media, urging Trump to “immediately fire” Noem and stating, “Americans have died. She is betraying DHS’s core mission and trashing your border security legacy.”

Moreover, Senator Elizabeth Warren added her voice, noting, “Alex Pretti wasn’t a terrorist. He was a VA nurse. His last words were ‘Are you okay?’ Enough. Kristi Noem should resign.”

Nevada Senator Jacky Rosen referred to Noem as “an abject failure,” articulating that her inability to manage the agency reflects serious constitutional violations. “She must be impeached and removed from office immediately,” she stated.

On March 3, Noem is set to testify before the Republican-led Senate Judiciary Committee, following scrutiny over her previous refusal to appear last year. Speculation regarding her position intensified as Trump appointed “border czar” Tom Homan to oversee operations in Minneapolis.

While cabinet secretaries facing impeachment is a rare occurrence, historical precedents reveal that the impeachment of Alejandro Mayorkas in 2024 was an uncommon event, with only one other cabinet member, War Secretary William Belknap, having faced such action in 1876, neither of whom were ultimately convicted.

Republicans have largely been cautious in their criticism of Noem. While she claimed that federal agents acted in self-defense during the Pretti incident, some have voiced disagreement with her premature statements that may have weakened public confidence in the Department of Homeland Security.

Senator Susan Collins from Maine, viewed as particularly vulnerable in the upcoming midterms, has called for a pause in immigration enforcement operations in both her state and Minnesota for a comprehensive review.