DOJ: Noem Made Final Call on Deportation Flights After Judge’s Order
The Justice Department revealed that then-Homeland Security Secretary, Kristi Noem, made the final decision to disregard a federal judge’s order to halt the deportation of alleged Venezuelan gang members. This decision allowed the removal of individuals, subject to the Alien Enemies Act, who had already been deported to El Salvador despite the court’s injunction. The Justice Department maintained that the administration’s actions were lawful. The disclosure comes as the court seeks to understand why its orders were not followed and is considering contempt proceedings against administration officials.