Illinois congresswoman files impeachment articles against Noem

By Catrina Baker | The Center Square contributor
The Center Square

(The Center Square) – Politicians around the country are backing calls to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, as Congresswoman Robin Kelly announced she filed articles of impeachment over alleged ICE abuses and abuses of power.

North Carolina Congresswoman Valerie Foushee, in a social media video, announced her support for Kelly’s articles.

“ICE cannot be allowed to continue putting lives in danger across our country,” Foushee said. “The impeachment of Secretary Noem is the bare minimum Congress can do to protect our communities. I’m pushing for legislation that makes it illegal for ICE to stop U.S. citizens or make any stops based on nationality or race, and to ensure strict oversight of detention facilities.”

Kelly, speaking on the House floor, outlined three articles of impeachment against Noem, citing obstruction of Congress, violation of public trust, and self-dealing.

Kelly described federal ICE operations, including Operation Midway Blitz in Chicago, where agents reportedly conducted warrantless raids and caused significant damage to residents’ homes.

“Doors to people’s homes were kicked down, belongings including kids’ toys were strewn about,” Kelly said.

She added that the ICE agents lacked visible identification and expressed concern over whether some officers had affiliations with extremist groups.

Noem, appearing on Fox News, defended the operations, saying her department was enforcing the law and following President Trump’s promise to prioritize American citizens.

“Criminal, illegal aliens in this country are going to be brought to justice,” Noem said. “We’ve arrested dozens of murderers, rapists, traffickers in Minnesota, and we’re going to continue that work.”

Illinois officials are also weighing in.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker, appearing on CNN Sunday, criticized the federal response and Noem directly.

“The president is not following the law, Kristi Noem needs to resign or be impeached, and Tricia McLaughlin should not have the job she has, she’s a pathological liar,” Pritzker said.

The killing of Renee Good in Minnesota has intensified debate in Illinois over federal law enforcement in local communities. Kelly argues that reforms such as body cameras and identifiable officers are necessary to protect both immigrants and citizens.

A taxpayer‑supported nonprofit in Normal, Illinois, The Immigration Project, posted a social media alert Tuesday morning saying ICE was in the area, and nearby, Pritzker was spotted at a local restaurant.

The Immigration Project is the principal provider of social and legal services for immigrants in downstate Illinois, according to the nonprofit.

A few months ago, Pritzker urged Illinois to film ICE raids to document alleged abuses, citing distrust of official accounts and calling the Trump administration’s tactics “authoritarian.”

“Get out your cell phones and record and narrate what you see,” said Pritzker.

Between July 2025 and January 2026, The Immigration Project, collected more than half a million dollars in vendor payments from the Illinois Comptroller.