CONGRESSMAN SMITH SUPPORTS IMPEACHMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY SECRETARY KRISTI NOEM

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Congressman Adam Smith (D-Wash.) released the following statement after signing onto an effort to impeach Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

"Today, I joined my colleagues in supporting H.Res. 996, a resolution to impeach Secretary Kristi Noem for high crimes and misdemeanors. I do not take the decision to pursue impeachment lightly. It is one of the most solemn responsibilities of the House of Representatives.

"Congress must ensure accountability at the highest levels of our government. When a cabinet official willfully disregards statutes passed by Congress and obstructs lawful oversight, it diminishes trust in our institutions and threatens the constitutional framework that protects American rights and liberties. I believe these matters warrant careful consideration by the House Judiciary Committee and ultimately by the full House.

"My support for this resolution is rooted in a broader concern about the Department of Homeland Security and the direction of federal immigration enforcement under this administration. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations are, right now, sowing fear and chaos in American communities.

"Last week, I voted against funding for DHS and ICE, and now as ICE continues to escalate its lawless operations, I am taking the extraordinary step of supporting impeachment of the Secretary Noem. As the head of this Department, Secretary Noem must be the held responsible for the lawlessness, terror, and havoc that ICE has caused across this country, and especially in places like Minneapolis.

"We have seen ICE embrace enforcement tactics that are violent, that tear families apart, and that are untethered from basic standards of accountability, due process, and public safety. The killings of Renée Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis this month have deepened concerns about federal tactics and the impact on local public safety and community trust.

"Accountability and reform must come now. Secretary Noem must be held accountable for the lawless behavior that ICE has committed under her stewardship. I join my colleagues in demanding that Secretary Noem must be impeached and her oversight of ICE must be investigated thoroughly before Congress."