By Trendsetter Tribune 
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem voiced support for departing ICE deputy director Madison Sheahan as the senior official leaves the agency to seek a seat in Congress.
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has publicly expressed support for senior Immigration and Customs Enforcement official Madison Sheahan, who is stepping down from her leadership role at the agency to pursue a congressional campaign.
In a statement provided to CBS News, Noem praised Sheahan’s leadership and service, describing her as a capable and dedicated public servant.
“I’ve known her for years, she loves her family, Ohio, and her country,” Noem said. “She will be a great defender of freedom when she goes to Congress.”
Noem added that Sheahan played a key role in advancing ICE’s enforcement priorities during her tenure as deputy director.
Sheahan’s Role at ICE
Sheahan has served as ICE’s deputy director since March of last year, making her the agency’s second-highest-ranking official. During that time, she was widely viewed as a close ally of Noem and an influential figure within the department.
In her statement, Noem credited Sheahan with helping guide the agency’s efforts to target and remove individuals in the country illegally who have criminal records.
“She is a workhorse, a strong executor, and a terrific leader who led the men and women of ICE to achieve the American people’s mandate,” Noem said.
Sheahan Thanks Trump and Noem
Sheahan confirmed her departure from ICE in a statement posted to her X account, where she expressed gratitude to President Donald Trump and Secretary Noem for their leadership.
“From the moment I joined this agency, my goal was to lead and support you as you carry out our vital mission to defend the homeland,” Sheahan wrote.
She said ICE officials were empowered to prioritize public safety and credited agency personnel for strengthening ICE’s operations and mission during her tenure.
Prior Criticism of Appointment
Sheahan’s initial appointment drew scrutiny, with critics pointing to her age and limited law enforcement background. At 28, she became one of the youngest senior leaders in ICE’s history at a time when the agency was under pressure to significantly increase deportations.
Before joining ICE, Sheahan served as an aide to Noem during her tenure as governor of South Dakota. She later became secretary of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries prior to her move to DHS.
Turmoil at ICE and Political Fallout
Sheahan’s resignation comes amid heightened scrutiny of ICE following the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis by ICE agent Jonathan Ross. The incident has sparked protests across the United States and internationally, with demonstrators calling for accountability and changes to federal immigration enforcement practices.
Democratic lawmakers have also responded forcefully, introducing articles of impeachment against Noem related to her leadership of DHS.
Rep. Robin Kelly (D-Ill.) announced Wednesday that she filed three articles of impeachment accusing Noem of obstruction of Congress, violation of public trust, and self-dealing. Kelly said the effort has received backing from 70 members of Congress.
DHS Pushes Back on Impeachment Effort
The Department of Homeland Security dismissed the impeachment push, calling it politically motivated.
In a statement, a DHS spokesperson said the effort was “silly” and accused critics of ignoring broader public safety concerns, including an increase in reported assaults against ICE officers.
The spokesperson emphasized that DHS remains focused on its enforcement mission under Noem’s leadership despite growing political opposition.
What Comes Next
As Sheahan transitions from federal service into electoral politics, her record at ICE is likely to remain a central issue in her campaign. Meanwhile, DHS and ICE continue to face mounting public, legal, and political scrutiny following recent enforcement actions and leadership decisions.