WASHINGTON — Senator Jacky Rosen, a moderate Democrat from Nevada known for her bipartisan efforts last year to end a prolonged government shutdown, has publicly called for the impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Rosen expressed that she believes Noem has attempted to "mislead the American public" regarding the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old protester in Minneapolis.
This call for impeachment emerges amid mounting frustration from Democrats in Congress, who have vowed to obstruct funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in response to what they describe as abuses and mismanagement within the department. Notably, a House resolution to initiate impeachment proceedings against Noem has garnered the backing of over 100 Democrats, yet relatively few in the Senate have publicly supported such a step until Rosen’s statement.
In a statement to media outlets, Rosen condemned Noem’s leadership, deeming it an "abject failure" over the past year. She pointed to recent actions by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as evidence of Noem losing control over her department and its personnel. Rosen described the Secretary’s conduct as "deeply shameful" and insisted she must be impeached and immediately removed from her position.
Although impeachment efforts face slim chances of success within the current Republican-controlled Congress, the backlash from Democrats over escalating violence in Minneapolis threatens to hamper Republican plans to swiftly pass a comprehensive spending bill intended to avert a partial government shutdown scheduled for January 30.
Previously reluctant to openly criticize administration policies on immigration and border enforcement, some moderate Democrats have shifted their stance following recent shootings in Minneapolis, including that of Pretti on a recent Saturday and another individual named Renee Good on January 7. Rosen's call marks a turning point, reflecting a new consensus within some moderate wings of her party.
Noem’s Defense of Border Patrol Incident
Rosen’s impeachment appeal followed Secretary Noem’s immediate defense of the shooting death of Pretti by a Border Patrol agent, made before a full investigation was conducted. Videos reviewed by news organizations appear to challenge the administration’s assertion that agents shot "defensively" as Pretti approached them armed. Records show Pretti held a concealed weapons permit, but footage only shows him holding a phone during the confrontation. During a physical altercation, agents discovered Pretti was carrying a 9 mm semiautomatic handgun and fired multiple shots, some striking his back. Authorities have not clarified whether Pretti brandished or aimed the weapon.
Noem characterized the incident by claiming that Pretti intended to "impede a law enforcement operation," and asserted, "This looks like a situation where an individual arrived at the scene to inflict maximum damage on individuals and to kill law enforcement."
Broader Accusations Against Noem
Beyond the controversy over ICE’s recent conduct, Rosen’s condemnation of Noem cited additional concerns. She accused the Secretary of violating public trust by allegedly misusing taxpayer funds for self-promotion. Rosen highlighted reports indicating that the Coast Guard purchased two luxury jets valued at approximately $172 million, suggesting fiscal irresponsibility under Noem’s administration.
Democratic Senate Voices Express Concern
Rosen’s call aligns with prior remarks from Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts, a progressive Democrat, who last week urged Congress to commence impeachment proceedings against Noem. Markey charged that Noem was effectively orchestrating near-vigilante actions by ICE agents nationwide, terrorizing cities and communities.
While some senators stopped short of demanding impeachment, several moderate Democrats who collaborated with Rosen to reopen the government last year have indicated opposition to funding Homeland Security this week, even at the risk of triggering a government shutdown. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada criticized DHS for "brutalizing U.S. citizens and lawful immigrants," while Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia described the current period as "not living in normal times." Conversely, administration officials defended the controversial shooting, and some Republican senators, including Thom Tillis of North Carolina and Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, have called for thorough investigations into the incident.
Heightened Impeachment Support Among House Democrats
The push for Noem’s impeachment has also intensified within the House. Democratic members held a confidential phone call with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison, both former congressmen closely monitoring the situation. Sources familiar with the discussion reported that a majority of the participating House Democrats expressed support for impeachment measures against Noem.
Representative Laura Gillen of New York, one of the small number of House Democrats who opposed recent Homeland Security funding, publicly stated that "there must be accountability, which is why Secretary Noem must be impeached immediately." She criticized Noem for prioritizing "chaos and self-promotion" rather than focusing on safety, border security, and collaboration with local law enforcement, suggesting that these actions have escalated violence.