Illinois Rep. Robin Kelly formally introduced articles of impeachment against U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem. Kelly said she has the backing of 70 members of Congress.
"Secretary Noem has brought her reign of terror to the Chicagoland area, L.A., New Orleans, Charlotte, Durham and communities north to south to east to west," Kelly said. "She needs to be held accountable for her actions."
Kelly, who is running to replace retiring Senator Dick Durbin, said she's introducing three articles of impeachment against Noem: obstruction of Congress, violation of public trust and self-dealing.
"Secretary Noem has denied me and other members of Congress oversight of ICE detention facilities," she said. "Secretary Noem directed DHS agents to arrest people without warrants, use tear gas against citizens and ignore due process. Secretary Noem has abused her power for personal benefit."
A statement from the Department of Homeland Security calls Kelly's impeachment efforts "silly" and said that ICE officers are facing a "1,300% increase in assaults against them." It also accuses Kelly of focusing on "showmanship and fundraising clicks."
"I want to tell her right now, Secretary Noem, you have violated your oath of office, and there will be consequences," Kelly said. "I am watching you. Members of Congress are watching you. The American people, most importantly, are watching you."