Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., escalated rhetoric against Kristi Noem during a news conference Thursday, arguing the DHS Secretary should be "put on ice permanently." (Getty Images)
The source added that Jeffries’ comments were especially dangerous given the current political climate.
"What Jeffries said is dangerous, and unfathomably stupid given the culture of political violence the left has endorsed and perpetrated against conservative leaders. He should know better, he does know better," they said.
During the news conference, Jeffries said he had reiterated his impeachment threat in a recent conversation with House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La.
KRISTI NOEM FACES IMPEACHMENT EFFORT IN HOUSE AS 70 DEMS PUSH OBSTRUCTION OF CONGRESS CHARGE
Democrats have threatened to move forward with impeachment proceedings if DHS Secretary Kristi Noem is not fired by the Trump administration, despite receiving the continued support of the president. (Luke Johnson/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Jeffries also criticized Senate Republicans who voted to confirm Noem, calling her "wildly unqualified" for the role.
"She should have never been confirmed," he said. "Shame on every Republican in the Senate who put this wildly unqualified person into a position of significance — the Department of Homeland Security — so she could unleash brutalization on everyday Americans, American citizens, and law-abiding immigrant families. Just disgraceful."
Jeffries concluded his remarks by repeating his demand for Noem’s removal, using language that immediately drew attention.
"She’s got to go. We are dead serious," Jeffries said. "She needs to be put on ice permanently. She’s got to go."
In a statement shared by Fox News' Aishah Hasnie late Friday, Jeffries appeared to backtrack his rhetoric, saying, "She needs to be put on ice. It's clear, right? That means gone. G-O-N-E. From her position. Don't misinterpret anything that I've said."
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Asked when he last spoke with Johnson, Jeffries replied: "Yesterday."
Fox News Digital has reached out to Jeffries’ office for comment.
Jasmine Baehr is a Breaking News Writer for Fox News Digital, where she covers politics, the military, faith and culture.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/rep-jeffries-escalates-rhetoric-against-noem-says-dhs-leader-should-put-ice-permanently