This is the most serious crisis so far within the ministry responsible for the new administration's tough course. Kristi Noem, who as Homeland Security Secretary implements President Trump's key policies, has come under fire from the opposition. Democrats are using the tragic events in Minneapolis to question not only the methods of operation of federal services, but also the way they are supervised.
Congressmen criticize Kristi Noem
On Monday, 140 Democratic members of the House of Representatives signed the motion to initiate impeachment proceedings — that's nearly two-thirds of that party's lawmakers in the lower house of Congress. (Democrats have 213 seats, Republicans 218). The initiative, led by Robin Kelly of Illinois, gained importance after the death of Alex Pretti. A man was shot and killed by ICE agents from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Administration. It was the second such tragedy in a short time – at the beginning of the month, Renee Good died in similar circumstances.
Why are congressmen demanding the removal of Kristi Noem?
Who is leading the initiative to remove Noem?
What charges were brought against Kristi Noem?
How many congressmen signed the impeachment motion?
The group of lawmakers demanding Noem's removal was joined by leading figures in the Democratic Party, including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and influential congressmen such as Bennie Thompson and Joe Neguse. WITHThe charges against the head of DHS include obstruction of Congress, abuse of public trust and acting in a conflict of interest situation.
“Congresswoman Robin Kelly, with the support of a vast majority of her party, could force a vote on Noem's recall as soon as next week,” Axios predicts.
Voices of criticism come not only from the House of Representatives, but also from the Senate. Peter Welch, a senator from Vermont, explicitly called for Noem to resign in an interview on Monday.
— Noem has to go. No one believes that they perform their duties honestly anymore – said Welch, quoted by “The Hill”.
The senator harshly assessed the way in which the department responded to the deaths of Minneapolis residents and the methods of conducting immigration policy. He also warned that if the head of the ministry did not resign herself, he would support the procedure for her dismissal.
DHS denies these accusations. Administration officials argue that the department is merely enforcing laws established by Congress. At the same time, Republicans announce their own hearings on Capitol Hill, wanting to examine not only the actions of federal services, but also the responsibility of local authorities for the situation in the city.
