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Indian American Impact joins call for congressional investigation into Noem
The various groups outlined a series of alarming incidents under Noem’s leadership that they claim undermines constitutional rights.
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Malvika Choudhary - Wed, 23, Jul 2025
- 17:01 EDT
- 100
IA Impact and Kristi Noem / File Photo/ Wikipedia
Indian American Impact joined 77 other civil rights, interfaith, and immigrant advocacy groups in formally urging Congress to launch an immediate investigation into Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
In a July 3 letter addressed to congressional leaders and committee chairs, the groups outlined a series of alarming incidents under Noem’s leadership. These include the forceful takedown of Senator Alex Padilla during a June press event in Los Angeles, unlawful immigration raids targeting U.S. citizens—including pregnant women—the shackling of a foster child in ICE custody, and the abrupt shutdown of the DHS Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties.
Also Read: US races to build migrant tent camps after $45 billion funding boost, WSJ reports
“DHS, under Kristi Noem, has violated constitutional rights, misused force, and ignored court orders. This is a crisis. Not leadership. Congress must investigate DHS Sec. Kristi Noem and hold her accountable,” IA Impact wrote on X.
The letter warned that DHS actions under Noem have “eroded fundamental rights” and “compromised the safety of our communities,” urging lawmakers to determine whether her decisions have violated the Constitution or endangered U.S. citizens.
DHS, under Kristi Noem, has violated constitutional rights, misused force, and ignored court orders. This is a crisis. Not leadership. Congress must investigate DHS Sec. Kristi Noem and hold her accountable.
— Indian American Impact (@IA_Impact) July 23, 2025
Read our full letter to Congress: https://t.co/vhu3zRptu9 pic.twitter.com/0XDbLEUC7e
Among the most serious allegations is the confrontation with Senator Padilla, who was tackled to the ground by federal agents while attempting to question Noem. The incident drew swift condemnation from lawmakers, with Senator Cory Booker calling it “an outrageous abuse of power.” Noem defended the agents’ actions, claiming Padilla posed a threat—a claim the senator strongly denies.
The groups also raised concerns about a new DHS policy requiring members of Congress to provide 72 hours’ notice before visiting ICE detention facilities, with the agency permitted to deny entry. Critics, including Representative Bennie Thompson, argue the policy violates the 2024 Appropriations Act and undermines oversight.
Civil society leaders accused Noem of deliberately undermining DHS’s mission. “When an agency of this size can target entire communities, separate families, and remove a U.S. senator without consequence, we must ask: what happens next?” the letter stated.
The organizations urged Congress to hold oversight hearings to determine whether Noem’s policies amount to constitutional and legal violations.
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