Two fatal shootings by federal agents in Minneapolis within weeks have ignited a Democratic firestorm demanding Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s impeachment, with video evidence contradicting official narratives turning a partisan squabble into a constitutional crisis.
Story Snapshot
- ICE and Border Patrol agents fatally shot two people in Minneapolis—Renee Good, a mother of three, and Alex Pretti, a licensed gun owner—with DHS claiming self-defense despite videos showing contradictions to official accounts.
- Over 100 House Democrats now back impeachment articles against Secretary Noem for obstruction of Congress, violating public trust, and directing unconstitutional enforcement actions.
- Senator Jacky Rosen and other moderate Democrats joined progressive calls for Noem’s removal, describing her conduct as “deeply shameful” and citing a pattern of misleading the public.
- The impeachment push faces certain defeat in the GOP-controlled House but threatens to derail government funding negotiations with a January 30 shutdown deadline looming.
When Video Evidence Contradicts Official Stories
Renee Good died during a traffic stop in early January when an ICE agent opened fire, with DHS labeling her alleged attempt to escape as domestic terrorism. Alex Pretti fell on January 24 after Border Patrol agents shot him during what officials described as an armed confrontation. Secretary Noem defended both incidents as clear-cut self-defense scenarios where federal agents faced mortal danger. Video footage reviewed by the Associated Press tells a starkly different story. Pretti appears holding a phone rather than wielding his concealed handgun, which agents found only after firing shots into his back. Good’s vehicle movements don’t align with claims she weaponized her car against agents.
These contradictions matter because they follow an established pattern. Operation Midway Blitz in Chicago’s suburbs during fall 2025 resulted in over 4,500 arrests and multiple fatal shootings where bodycam footage similarly undermined official justifications. Silverio Villegas Gonzalez died in September 2025 under circumstances where video downplayed the injuries agents claimed warranted lethal force. The Minneapolis deaths represent not isolated tragedies but data points in a troubling trend where enforcement narratives crumble under scrutiny. Democrats seized on this record to argue Noem has systematically misled Congress and the American public about use-of-force policies under her watch.
Impeachment Math in a Divided Congress
Representative Robin Kelly of Illinois filed three articles of impeachment against Noem in mid-January, initially attracting 70 Democratic co-sponsors. The Pretti shooting on January 24 accelerated support overnight, swelling backing to over 100 House members by January 26. The articles charge Noem with obstruction of Congress for refusing to provide testimony and documents, violation of public trust for allegedly misleading lawmakers about enforcement operations, and self-dealing for using her position to advance personal political interests. A Sunday caucus call with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison galvanized Democrats, with participants describing Noem’s actions as reckless lawlessness requiring accountability.
The political calculation here reveals fascinating fault lines. Moderate Democrats like Senator Jacky Rosen of Nevada and Representative Laura Gillen of New York typically avoid inflammatory partisan tactics, yet both demanded Noem’s impeachment. Rosen called the secretary’s conduct “deeply shameful” while Gillen accused her of prioritizing chaos and self-promotion over public safety. Even Illinois Democratic Senate primary rivals—Kelly, Raja Krishnamoorthi, and Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton—united behind impeachment despite competing for the same seat. This rare unanimity signals genuine outrage transcending electoral positioning. Republicans dismiss the effort as political theater doomed to fail in their House majority, but Democrats view the symbolic stand as essential for establishing accountability precedents.
Immigration Enforcement at the Breaking Point
The Trump administration’s escalated immigration crackdowns form the backdrop for this confrontation. DHS under Noem has pursued aggressive operations characterized by warrantless arrests, expanded use of force, and confrontational tactics at protests. Democrats argue these policies transform federal agents into rogue enforcers operating beyond constitutional constraints. Governor JB Pritzker of Illinois questioned whether Americans should disbelieve video evidence of their own eyes, while Senator Tammy Duckworth challenged claims that militarized ICE raids make communities safer. The impeachment articles specifically allege Noem directed agents to conduct unconstitutional enforcement actions violating due process protections.
Conservative principles support vigorous border enforcement and backing law enforcement officers making split-second decisions under dangerous conditions. Federal agents deserve the benefit of doubt when facing genuine threats. The problem emerges when video evidence systematically contradicts official accounts. If agents legitimately defended themselves against armed aggression, why do the videos show something different? If Renee Good truly weaponized her vehicle, why can’t footage confirm that narrative? If Alex Pretti aimed to kill officers, why was he holding a phone? These questions demand answers beyond partisan talking points. Effective border security requires public trust, and trust evaporates when officials ask citizens to ignore documentary evidence.
Shutdown Brinkmanship and Funding Leverage
Democrats seized the Minneapolis shootings to threaten blocking DHS funding as a January 30 government shutdown deadline approaches. The timing transforms impeachment from symbolic protest into genuine leverage for extracting concessions or forcing investigations. House Democrats pledged solidarity trips to Minnesota and demanded subpoenas for enforcement records. Senator Dick Durbin invoked Judiciary Committee oversight authority to compel testimony. The strategy risks backfiring if Republicans successfully frame Democrats as defunding border security, but Democratic unity suggests they’ve calculated that risk as acceptable given the video evidence supporting their position.
'No Other Option': Prominent Democrats Demand Noem's Impeachment After Shooting https://t.co/joKMSiUIwf
— Mediaite (@Mediaite) January 25, 2026
The affected communities extend beyond partisan calculation. Renee Good left behind three children who lost their mother during a traffic stop. Alex Pretti exercised his Second Amendment right to carry a concealed weapon and attended a protest, actions conservatives typically defend. Immigrant communities in Minneapolis and Chicago now fear routine encounters with federal agents could turn lethal. Border Patrol and ICE agents face intensified scrutiny and potential legal jeopardy for following orders. This spiral of distrust serves nobody’s interests, least of all effective immigration enforcement or public safety. The impeachment effort will almost certainly fail in the Republican House, but the underlying crisis of accountability will persist until someone answers why videos keep contradicting official stories.
Sources:
Democrats Push to Impeach Noem After Minneapolis Shooting – TIME
Democrats vow to oppose homeland security funds after Minnesota shooting – Axios
Rep. Pettersen Statement on Impeachment – House.gov


