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.
Read More
In a court filing, the Justice Department disclosed that Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem made the final decision to allow deportees to be transferred to El Salvador despite a judge’s order to return the flights to the United States. The administration maintains it did not violate the court’s order, although it identified officials involved in the decision. Judge Boasberg accused the government of showing “willful disregard” for his rulings regarding the deportation of Venezuelan gang members. The case stems from the Trump administration’s initiative, which has faced legal challenges regarding due process, and the ACLU is seeking testimony from multiple officials.
Read More
The Trump administration admitted to illegally deporting Britania Uriostegui Rios, a Mexican trans woman, to Mexico despite a court order barring her removal due to the likelihood of torture. After a felony assault conviction, Uriostegui Rios faced deportation proceedings, but the judge found she would be in danger in Mexico. The Justice Department acknowledged the “inadvertent” removal and offered her reentry, though her legal status remains in question as Homeland Security seeks to send her to another country. Uriostegui Rios’ attorneys are fighting to keep her out of ICE custody and highlight the administration’s disregard for court orders, particularly given her vulnerable status as a transgender woman facing potential persecution.
Read More
Secretary Kristi Noem held a press conference in Las Vegas, presenting TSA agents with documents representing $10,000 bonuses. These bonuses, similar to those announced by Secretary Sean Duffy for air traffic controllers, were awarded to select employees. The Department of Homeland Security also announced a $1 billion investment to improve airport security and training. Criticism arose because a small percentage of the workforce received the bonuses despite all employees working without pay during the recent government shutdown.
Read More
Congressman Dan Goldman proposed renaming the Republican BOWOW Act to the “Kristi Noem Canine Protection Act” in response to the bill’s focus on deporting noncitizens who harm police animals. This amendment highlights the hypocrisy of the bill, given that it does not address the actions of government officials, like South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, who admitted to killing her own dog. The original bill, H.R. 4638, intends to make noncitizens deportable for harming police animals, yet it seemingly overlooks instances of canine violence perpetrated by those in positions of power. The amendment aims to draw attention to this discrepancy, suggesting the bill is more about political messaging than animal welfare.
Read More
A Republican consulting firm, the Strategy Group, with close ties to Kristi Noem and her aides at the Department of Homeland Security, received money from a $220 million DHS ad campaign, with the company’s role kept secret. The Strategy Group’s CEO is married to Noem’s chief spokesperson, creating potential conflicts of interest. The company was involved in filming an ad at Mount Rushmore. Government contracting experts suggest potential ethics violations, and the ad campaign has previously involved the Strategy Group in other controversial contracts.
Read More
Kristi Noem, the Secretary of Homeland Security, purportedly authorized the purchase of Spirit Airlines jets for deportation flights, but it was later discovered the airline didn’t own the planes nor did they have engines. This plan was reportedly paused due to the revelation and objections from ICE officials, who warned of the high cost. The DHS also acquired two Gulfstream jets during the government shutdown, drawing criticism from House Democrats, despite a previous bill allocating substantial funds for immigration operations. These purchases highlight ongoing issues surrounding the handling of immigrant deportation, including the use of planes for transportation.
Read More
During a recent podcast interview, Vice President J.D. Vance stated that people who mistreat animals are “bad people.” This comment, made during a discussion about a streamer accused of using an electric collar on his dog, was quickly called into question. Vance’s statement directly contradicted the actions of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who revealed in her memoir that she had executed her family dog, a move that drew widespread criticism and potentially cost her the chance to be Trump’s running mate. This detail serves as a stark contrast to Vance’s assertion, highlighting the complexities and contradictions within the political landscape.
Read More
Reports indicate the Department of Homeland Security is acquiring two private jets for Secretary Kristi Noem’s travel, with the Coast Guard facilitating the purchase. The jets are intended to replace an older aircraft, with the Department citing safety reasons for the upgrade. Cost estimates for the Gulfstream jets vary, with reports from The New York Times and The Washington Post offering different figures. Two House Democrats have voiced concerns, questioning the priorities behind the jet purchases and raising concerns about the use of taxpayer dollars.
Read More
The Department of Homeland Security, under Secretary Kristi Noem, purchased two luxury Gulfstream G700 jets for $172 million, citing safety concerns and the aging of existing aircraft. Despite the Coast Guard’s request for a single, less expensive jet, this purchase is raising questions about the source of funding and the necessity of two jets, particularly amidst a government shutdown. Democrats are criticizing the expenditure as lavish, with concerns voiced by Representatives DeLauro and Underwood, who have requested clarification on the funding source. This spending follows scrutiny of Noem’s previous use of taxpayer funds, including renovations to the governor’s mansion and personal travel costs while she was governor of South Dakota.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker