A drive to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has reached 100 co-sponsors.
Democratic Representative Robin Kelly of Illinois formally introduced three articles of impeachment against Noem on January 14.
On Wednesday, Kelly announced in a news release that 100 co-sponsors had signed her resolution.
Newsweek contacted the Department of Homeland Security for comment by email outside normal business hours.
Why It Matters
Efforts to remove Noem from office might damage her reputation and standing with her Republican colleagues in a year when voters are heading to the polls for midterm elections. However, given that the GOP has majorities in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, it is unlikely the measure will pass.
What To Know
The articles of impeachment against Noem accuse her of obstruction of Congress, violation of public trust and self-dealing. They said she tried to enter a DHS facility used to detain undocumented immigrants unlawfully and directed ICE to make “widespread warrantless arrests, forgo due process, and use violence against United States citizens, lawful residents, and other individuals.”
The articles also accused Noem of misusing her position for “personal gain while inappropriately using $200 million taxpayer dollars to fund an ad campaign for ICE recruitment,” Kelly’s office said in a news release.
There are 213 Democrats in the House, so with 100 co-sponsors, almost half the caucus has signed on to the resolution.
Scott Lucas, who teaches international politics at University College Dublin, told Newsweek it was unlikely the measure would pass. “The idea that Noem could be impeached and convicted doesn’t fly because the Republicans will protect her, ” he said.
However, he added that the resolution was “an important symbolic move” that showed Noem “should be accountable.”
A DHS spokesperson previously dismissed the effort to impeach Noem as “silly” in a statement to Newsweek.
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin told Newsweek in a separate statement: “DHS is a law enforcement agency—enforcing the rule of law passed by Congress. If members don’t like the law, it is quite literally their job to change it.
“As ICE officers are facing a 1,300 percent increase in assaults against them, politicians are more focused on showmanship and fundraising clicks than actually removing criminals from our streets.
“We hope these members get serious about doing their job to protect American people, which is what this department is doing under Secretary Noem.”
What People Are Saying
Representative Robin Kelly said in a news release: “Secretary Noem and her rogue agency have caused destruction and devastation across the country. One hundred House Democrats from California to New York, Minnesota to Texas support my impeachment resolution because our communities have seen ICE’s Gestapo-like tactics firsthand. 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.”
A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson told Newsweek: “How silly during a serious time. As ICE officers are facing a 1,300 percent increase in assaults against them, Rep. Kelly is more focused on showmanship and fundraising clicks than actually cleaning up her crime-ridden Chicago district. We hope she would get serious about doing her job to protect American people, which is what this Department is doing under Secretary Noem.”
What Happens Next
It remains to be seen whether more Democrats will sign the resolution.
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