Delia Ramirez Confronts DHS Secretary Kristi Noem in Tense Private Meeting
Democratic Congresswoman Delia Ramirez engaged in a heated, closed-door meeting with Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem on Wednesday, demanding her resignation over alleged misconduct by immigration officials. The encounter, described as "combative" by Ramirez, marked the first one-on-one private meeting Noem has held with a Democratic lawmaker since assuming her role last year.
Ramirez Accuses Noem of Lying About ICE Violations
During the meeting in Washington DC, Ramirez presented multiple criticisms of the DHS, including examples of officers using excessive force against immigrants and protesters, denying due process to detainees, and violating court orders. Ramirez claimed that Noem responded by "playing dumb" and "viciously lied" about the actions of DHS agents on the ground. She emphasized that Noem refused to acknowledge constitutional breaches and legal violations, stating, "I needed to look at evil in the eye and make sure she understood that I will continue to work and ensure she no longer leads the department."
Background of Calls for Resignation and Impeachment
Ramirez, a vocal pro-immigrant representative from Illinois, has repeatedly called for Noem's resignation throughout the second Trump administration and initiated impeachment proceedings last month. The meeting occurred amid a partial government shutdown affecting the DHS, with Democrats pushing for changes to immigration enforcement tactics following the killings of two US citizen protesters in Minneapolis by federal officers. Under Noem's leadership, DHS agencies have escalated nationwide immigration enforcement operations, sparking backlash from voters and mass demonstrations.
DHS Response and Political Tensions
In response to the meeting, a DHS spokesperson stated that Secretary Noem regularly meets with members of Congress from both parties and criticized Democrats for prioritizing politics over national security during the shutdown. The spokesperson added, "We hope that the Congresswoman puts the same amount of energy into funding DHS so we can do our work to protect Americans from threats from terrorists, criminals and public safety threats as she has writing letters to the Secretary to resign."
Ramirez's Continued Push for Accountability
Ramirez reiterated her stance that Noem should resign, warning of potential impeachment by Democrats or dismissal by Donald Trump. She cited internal strife within the DHS over enforcement tactics, heightened by recent deadly shootings. In a follow-up letter, Ramirez highlighted incidents such as federal agents handcuffing a local official in a Chicago hospital and teargassing outside a school, which Noem allegedly claimed ignorance of. Ramirez asserted, "I think that she knows that her days are numbered," emphasizing her role in leading impeachment efforts.
Broader Implications for Immigration Policy
The controversy underscores ongoing debates over DHS practices, including the expansion of immigrant detention networks and entry into protected areas like churches and hospitals. Noem has previously dismissed impeachment calls, accusing critics of attacking her for "just doing her job." As Washington grapples with funding disputes and enforcement scrutiny, this clash highlights deep political divisions over immigration and homeland security policies.
