Democrats Call For Impeachment
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said Thursday that Democrats are considering impeachment proceedings against Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem if they regain control of the House after the 2026 midterm elections.
Speaking during an interview on MSNBC, Jeffries said Democrats have not ruled out any options when it comes to oversight and accountability of the Trump administration.
“We haven’t ruled anything in or out,” Jeffries said, adding that Democratic leadership plans to review potential next steps during internal discussions early next week.
Sharp Criticism of Noem and DHS Leadership
Jeffries accused Noem of being unfit to lead the Department of Homeland Security, calling her “unqualified” and “dangerous.” He claimed the Senate made a mistake by confirming her and argued that DHS has been mishandled under her leadership.
His comments follow a deadly law enforcement incident in Minneapolis involving an officer with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and 37-year-old Renee Nicole Macklin Good.
Trump administration officials, including Noem, said the ICE officer acted after Macklin Good allegedly attempted to strike law enforcement with her vehicle. The administration described the incident as an act of domestic terrorism.
Jeffries rejected that account and accused Noem of unfairly smearing the woman after her death. He called for a criminal investigation into the officer’s actions and said Congress must respond aggressively.
“That agent should be investigated to the fullest extent of the law,” Jeffries said. “Congress has a responsibility to act.”
Democrats Accuse DHS of “Lawlessness”
Jeffries went further, claiming the Department of Homeland Security has engaged in what he described as unchecked and dangerous behavior. He argued that Democrats must work to curb what he called DHS “lawlessness,” framing the situation as part of a broader political and cultural struggle.
He described the current moment as a “national nightmare” that Democrats are determined to end.
Mixed Reaction From Lawmakers
Reaction to the shooting has crossed party lines. Senator Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) raised concerns about public statements made before investigators completed their work, saying it is unusual for senior officials to draw firm conclusions while a scene is still being processed.
Tillis said either Secretary Noem has additional information that has not yet been shared publicly or she spoke too soon when advising Donald Trump.
Meanwhile, Democrats on the House Homeland Security Committee have demanded that Noem testify before Congress. In a letter to committee leadership, Rep. Bennie Thompson accused Republicans of enabling what he described as harmful administration policies if they fail to act.
Calls for Resignation Grow
California Governor Gavin Newsom also weighed in, calling on Noem to resign. In a post on social media, Newsom’s office claimed that her continued leadership endangers public safety and demanded accountability.
Body-Cam Footage Released
On Friday, the White House released body-camera footage obtained by Alpha News showing the ICE officer’s perspective prior to the shooting.
In the video, Macklin Good appears calm, telling the officer she is not upset. As the officer circles the vehicle, a bystander confronts him and attempts to open a door. Officers are then heard shouting commands for her to exit the vehicle.
The footage does not visually capture the moment shots were fired, though gunfire can be heard. The vehicle then speeds away before crashing into a parked car. Profanity is heard in the immediate aftermath.
Political Stakes Remain High
The release of the footage has intensified national debate over immigration enforcement, federal law enforcement authority, and congressional oversight. With the 2026 elections approaching, Democrats have made clear that impeachment and aggressive investigations remain firmly on the table if they return to power.
