Noem confirms approval of deportation flights despite court order

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated on Sunday that she directed federal authorities to continue deporting Venezuelan detainees to El Salvador, even after a judicial order temporarily blocked the flights.

Decisions regarding deportations, including destinations and timing, fall under my authority at the Department of Homeland Security, Noem told NBCs Kristen Welker on Meet the Press. We are committed to taking the necessary steps to remove individuals who pose a threat to public safety.

Recent court documents from the Department of Justice (DOJ) reveal that Noem instructed officials to proceed with sending detainees to a high-security facility in El Salvador. This decision came amid scrutiny over whether the Trump administration could face contempt charges for ignoring a judges verbal order to return over 100 Venezuelan detainees to the U.S.

Earlier this year, President Trump issued an executive order permitting the deportation of Venezuelans under the Alien Enemies Act (AEA), accelerating efforts to implement one of the largest deportation campaigns in American history. The administration maintained that it was not required to comply with the March directive from District Judge James Boasberg.

The DOJ filing highlighted that Noem ordered that detainees under the AEA, who had been removed from the United States prior to the Courts ruling, could be transferred to the custody of El Salvador, asserting that the action was lawful and aligned with a reasonable interpretation of the courts instructions.

Noem reiterated her support for the decision on Sunday, stating, I stand by President Trump, his leadership, and the decisions we have taken.

The Venezuelan migrants deported to El Salvador were later released from prison during the summer and returned to Venezuela as part of a large-scale prisoner exchange.

Judge Boasberg had previously identified probable cause to initiate contempt proceedings over the deportations. The case was on hold for several months until an appeals court last week permitted him to proceed.

The initial legal challenge, filed by the American Civil Liberties Union, questioning Trumps application of the AEA, remains under review by Judge Boasberg.

Author: Sophia Brooks