Democrats on the House Homeland Security Committee announced Wednesday that they were launching an investigation into Secretary Kristi Noem, a probe they conceded could lead to an impeachment effort.
The announcement comes just as a formal push to impeach Noem gains steam, with nearly 70 House Democrats on board so far.
“We are announcing we will begin a process of accountability for Secretary Noem,” Rep. Bennie Thompson, the panel’s ranking member, said at a press conference outside the Capitol.
Thompson accused Noem of establishing “a corrupt culture” at the Department of Homeland Security, including withholding disaster aid to states with Democratic leadership, obstructing congressional oversight and directing “the indiscriminate deportation of thousands of people without due process, most of whom have no criminal record.”
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“In short, Kristi Noem has repeatedly abused her power and violated her oath of office,” Thompson said, adding that “nothing is off the table” when asked whether the probe would lead to impeachment proceedings.
In addition to the committee’s probe, on Wednesday, Democratic Rep. Robin Kelly introduced impeachment articles against Noem — an effort that has already attracted dozens of signatures.
Several other Democrats have filed litigation against DHS and Noem for attempting to restrict congressional oversight visits of ICE facilities.
Rep. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota spoke in support of the impeachment articles at Wednesday’s press conference.
“That must begin by impeaching Kristi Noem and ensuring no federal agent can act as a judge, jury and executioner on our streets,” Omar said.
Rep. Lou Correa, another committee member, told The Hill that impeachment is likely following their investigation.
“Full accountability investigation, continue to look at the facts, and if it leads to impeachment, that’s where we’re going, which I think is very likely, based on everything we’ve seen,” Correa said.
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