Episode Overview

Podcast: The Parnas Perspective
Host: Aaron Parnas
Episode: Breaking: Support for Impeaching Kristi Noem Surges as Democrats and Republicans Break
Date: January 26, 2026

This explosive episode dissects the rapidly intensifying support—on both sides of the aisle—for the impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. In the wake of the killing of Alex Preddy by federal immigration officials, Aaron Parnas explores the sudden and dramatic shift in Congress, detailing statements from both Democratic and Republican lawmakers, as well as local officials and former President Obama. The episode captures the sense of chaos gripping Minneapolis and analyzes the bipartisan calls for transparency, accountability, and broad systemic reform.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Catalyst: Killing of Alex Preddy ([00:00])

• The episode opens by referencing the recent killing of Alex Preddy by ICE, triggering national outrage, especially within Congress.
• Aaron emphasizes that the reaction is not limited to partisan talking points: “There is now a groundswell of support within Congress to possibly impeach Kristi Noem.” ([00:08])

2. Breaking the Democratic Line: Rep. Laura Gillen’s Flip ([00:24])

• Rep. Laura Gillen (D)—noted for her centrist record—publicly supports impeaching Noem, surprising many due to her recent vote to fund ICE.
• Quote:

  “Another U.S. citizen has been killed at the hands of ICE. And there must be accountability, which is why Secretary Noem must be impeached immediately. Under her leadership, ICE has targeted US Citizens and children and killed Americans. She is not focused on safety or border security. She's focused on chaos and self-promotion...”
  — Laura Gillen (read by Aaron, [00:37])

3. House Homeland Security Committee Weighs In ([01:24])

• Ranking Member Bennie Thompson (D): Issues a scathing attack on Noem and Trump, accusing them of fostering “purposeful chaos and violence.”
• Quotes:

  “Yet another US Citizen has been killed … in Minneapolis for exercising his First Amendment rights. This is sick and should shock all Americans. … Trump and Noem have blood on their hands.”
  “Do nothing Republicans in Congress must force ICE and CBP leaders to testify publicly. … The House must immediately take steps to impeach Kristi Noem.”
  ([01:28]–[02:10])

• Democrats call for ICE and CBP withdrawal from Minnesota and immediate bodycam footage release.

4. Republican Frustration and Calls for Hearings ([02:31])

• Rep. Michael Baumgartner (R): Unexpectedly breaks from the party line, calling for a committee hearing into federal enforcement practices.
  • Focus on transparency, the use of body cameras, and the conduct/training of officers.
• Sen. Bill Cassidy (R): Demands a full federal and state investigation, questioning ICE and DHS credibility.
  • Cassidy also emphasizes trusting the public with the truth.
  • Reflects a notable shift within GOP ranks.

5. Obama’s Intervention ([03:31])

• Former President Barack Obama: Weighs in publicly, lamenting the state of American values and rebuking federal law enforcement agencies for counterproductive escalation.
• Quote:

  “It is a heartbreaking tragedy, a wake-up call to every American, regardless of party, that many of our core values as a nation are increasingly under assault. … That’s not what we're seeing in Minnesota.”
  ([03:41])

6. Governor Reactions: Kevin Stitt Breaks with Administration ([04:13])

• Governor Kevin Stitt (R-OK), also head of the National Governors Association, expresses discomfort with federal actions in Minnesota.
• Quote:

  “This is a real tragedy. … Americans don’t like what they’re seeing. … Is it to deport every single non US Citizen? I don’t think that’s what Americans want. We have to stop politicizing this. We need real solutions on immigration reform.”
  ([04:42]–[05:54])

• Stitt advocates for state-run workforce permits and reiterates the growing demand to return power to the states.

7. Local Strain: Minneapolis Police Chief’s Candid Plea ([06:24])

• Chief Brian O’Hara (Minneapolis): Expresses exhaustion and frustration.
• Quotes:

  “If there is an investigation that ultimately proves that at the time of the shooting, it was legally justified, I don’t think that even matters at this point because there just. There is so much outrage and concern around what is happening in the city.”
  ([06:24]) “We are stretched incredibly thin. This is taking an enormous toll. … It’s too much.”
  ([07:22])

• O’Hara highlights a pattern: 3 shootings in 3 weeks, and contrasts local police restraint with federal actions.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Aaron Parnas:

  “Even if [Democrats] don’t [take the House], there still may be enough votes if Republicans cross over...” ([00:29])

• Rep. Laura Gillen:

  “She is not focused on safety or border security. She’s focused on chaos and self-promotion, undermining local law enforcement and stoking violence.” ([00:40])

• Rep. Bennie Thompson:

  “Trump and Noem have blood on their hands ... ICE and CBP must leave Minnesota.” ([01:44]–[01:54])

• Rep. Michael Baumgartner:

  “It’s critically important that … Congress be given a better understanding of how immigration enforcement is being handled...” ([02:35])

• Gov. Kevin Stitt:

  “Nobody likes feds coming into their state. And so what’s the goal right now?” ([05:15])

• Chief Brian O’Hara:

  “People have had enough. ... This is not sustainable.” ([06:48])

Important Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment | |-----------|----------------------------------------------------| | 00:00 | Aaron sets the stage: bipartisan outrage emerges | | 00:24 | Rep. Laura Gillen’s surprising support for impeachment | | 01:24 | Rep. Bennie Thompson calls for immediate impeachment | | 02:31 | Rep. Baumgartner and Sen. Cassidy break ranks | | 03:31 | Obama condemns federal response | | 04:13 | Gov. Stitt voices deep concerns and proposes solutions | | 06:24 | Minneapolis Chief Brian O’Hara’s reality check | | 07:42 | Aaron’s closing analysis and recap |

Tone & Conclusions

Aaron Parnas maintains an urgent yet measured tone, unpacking the political chaos with clarity and insider perspective. Throughout, he stresses that this is a cross-partisan crisis, punctuated by direct, emotional language from both lawmakers and local officials. Law, media, and public outcry converge to create a genuine tipping point for immigration policy and federal accountability.

Final Thought:
As Aaron concludes, “It is just simply too much for a local police department to handle. Major developments right now.” ([07:42]) This moment of reckoning, he suggests, could shape the trajectory of national policy, state-federal relations, and public trust for years to come.