Kristi Noem says deportation operation decisions are hers amid case over flights to El Salvador

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said that deportation operations are her decision and denied defying a court order to halt deportation flights of alleged Venezuelan gang members to El Salvador.

WASHINGTON — Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said that deportation operations are her decision and denied defying a court order to halt deportation flights to El Salvador earlier this year, attacking “radical decisions” from “activist judges.”

Asked on NBC News’ “Meet the Press” whether she made the call to continue the flights, Noem referenced ongoing legal proceedings and said she would “let them continue to play through that process.”

“The decisions that are made on deportations, where flights go and when they go, are my decision at the Department of Homeland Security, and we will continue to do the right thing and ensure that dangerous criminals are removed,” Noem added.

Asked whether she defied the court’s order, Noem said “no” and criticized “activist judges” and “radical decisions.”

In a court filing last week, Justice Department officials said Noem was the Trump administration official who, earlier this year, did not comply with a federal judge’s order to stop the deportation of Venezuelan men whom the administration alleges are members of the Tren de Aragua gang to El Salvador.