Rep. Deborah Ross on Tuesday called for the resignation or removal of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, joining several Democratic colleagues critical of Noem’s oversight of immigration enforcement and federal disaster aid in North Carolina.
In a statement, Ross described Noem as a “disaster for North Carolina,” citing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol operations in Charlotte and Raleigh, and delays in disaster assistance to areas affected by Hurricane Helene.
Ross pointed to the recent death of Renee Good, who was fatally shot by an ICE agent in Minneapolis, as evidence of broader concerns about the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
“Americans are seeing what North Carolinians already know: DHS desperately needs new leadership,” said Ross, a Democrat representing North Carolina’s 2nd Congressional District.
Ross criticized Noem’s role in authorizing immigration raids in Charlotte and Raleigh, stating that agents “descended on our cities” under her direction. A spokesperson for Noem did not respond to a request for comment.
Her remarks followed comments from House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who on Monday said Noem is “completely and totally unqualified” to lead the department and raised the possibility of impeachment if Democrats regain control of the House in 2026.
Other North Carolina Democrats have made similar statements. Rep. Valerie Foushee called for Noem’s resignation earlier this month, while Rep. Alma Adams has requested an independent investigation into Good’s death. Rep. Don Davis has not released a statement.
Protests erupted nationwide following the Minneapolis shooting, including in Charlotte, Durham, and Wilmington, where demonstrators criticized federal immigration enforcement.
The Department of Homeland Security has linked recent confrontations to political rhetoric. On Jan. 8, a day after Good’s death, DHS released data citing 275 assaults on ICE officers and 66 vehicle attacks since January 2025.
“This unprecedented increase in violence against law enforcement is a direct result of sanctuary politicians and the media creating an environment that demonizes our law enforcement,” said Tricia McLaughlin, assistant secretary at DHS.
Ross also said Noem contributed to delays in federal disaster relief in Western North Carolina. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) payments exceeding $100,000 require Noem’s personal authorization.
Gov. Josh Stein requested faster FEMA aid in December, writing, “Further delay of these approvals keeps communities and families in limbo.”
Ross said Noem’s performance makes her unfit for office. “We can’t trust her when disaster strikes. We can’t trust her to obey the law. We can’t trust her to protect our rights or our homeland,” she said.
“Noem needs to go.”
