By Busra Nur Cakmak
More than 50 advocacy organizations are calling for the impeachment of US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, citing what they describe as a pattern of constitutional violations and abuses by the department she leads, according to The Hill.
In a letter sent Monday to congressional leaders, Voto Latino and a coalition that includes the Service Employees International Union, the Human Rights Campaign and United Farm Workers, urged lawmakers to immediately pursue impeachment proceedings. The groups said they support a House resolution introduced last month by Rep. Robin Kelly.
The letter accuses Noem of obstructing congressional oversight, authorizing unlawful raids on US citizens, targeting minors -- including the recent detention of a 5-year-old -- and permitting the unlawful use of deadly force by federal agents.
“Secretary Noem’s tenure has been defined by a dangerous violation of public trust,” the letter says, cited by The Hill, adding that her actions show a “blatant disregard for constitutional protections.”
Kelly’s resolution followed the fatal shooting of Renee Good, a Minnesota woman, by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer last month. Federal agents also shot and killed another man, Alex Pretti, during a separate encounter in Minneapolis.
The resolution has more than 187 co-sponsors. Advocacy groups said they plan a national day of action urging lawmakers to support Noem’s impeachment.