Noem Sparks Controversy Over Edited CBS Interview on MS-13 Member
WASHINGTON — Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem expressed her outrage on Sunday regarding alleged editing by CBS News of her interview related to Kilmar Abrego Garcia, an undocumented migrant and purported member of the MS-13 gang, who was deported to El Salvador by the Trump administration earlier this year.
During her appearance on CBS’ “Face the Nation,” Noem discussed Abrego Garcia but later observed that portions of her remarks had been removed from the broadcast by the afternoon.
In the complete version of her unfiltered comments, Noem described Abrego Garcia as "a known human smuggler, an MS-13 gang member, a domestic abuser, and someone who even solicited explicit photos from minors. Fellow traffickers admonished him for his disturbing actions toward children."
She continued, stating that he should "never be allowed in the United States," emphasizing that her administration was committed to ensuring he faces justice.
CBS has not yet responded to requests for clarification.
Noem took to X to express her frustration, stating, "This morning, I joined CBS to report the facts about Kilmar Abrego Garcia. Instead, CBS scandalously edited the interview to obscure the truth regarding this MS-13 member and the risk he presents to public safety."
In 2019, a U.S. immigration judge ruled that Abrego Garcia could not be deported to El Salvador due to imminent threats from gangs. Nevertheless, earlier this year, the Trump administration deported him along with hundreds of other alleged gang members to a high-security prison in Central America.
The Trump administration’s justification for his deportation was based on a designation that classifies MS-13 as a foreign terrorist organization, stemming from that judge’s ruling.
Both Abrego Garcia and his legal team have denied the accusations against him.
Democratic advocates have voiced support for Abrego Garcia, arguing that his removal to El Salvador was unjust, where he spent several weeks in the notorious CECOT prison before being transferred to a lower-security facility.
He was brought back to the U.S. in June and charged with human smuggling, but was briefly released before being re-arrested by ICE on August 25.
Abrego Garcia now faces the possibility of deportation to Uganda after opting not to accept a plea deal that would allow him to plead guilty to the smuggling charges in exchange for relocation to Costa Rica.
His legal team is still pursuing asylum in the United States. Although his initial application in 2019 was rejected, a successful current application could potentially lead to a green card and eventually U.S. citizenship.
Passionate journalist and digital news editor with a keen eye for global affairs and emerging trends. As the founder and lead writer of RSS News US, he is dedicated to delivering accurate, insightful, and engaging content to readers seeking trustworthy news in a fast-paced world.
