DHS Secretary Noem Slams Democrats For Backing Alleged MS-13 Associate

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem criticized Democrats during an interview on Fox News’ “Hannity” on Monday for supporting Kilmar Abrego Garcia, whose immigration case has prompted rulings and protests in multiple jurisdictions.

The exchange followed a federal court order that halted the Trump administration’s latest effort to deport Abrego Garcia.

Despite the administration seeking to remove him to Uganda, U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis, an Obama appointee, ordered that he remain detained in the United States until an evidentiary hearing is held, according to NBC News.

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Host Sean Hannity, while outlining allegations against Abrego Garcia and his suspected ties to the MS-13 gang, told Noem he will “never understand” why Democrats are rallying behind the alleged gang member.

“I don’t understand it either, Sean,” Noem said.

“In fact, let’s not forget that Abrego Garcia also solicited minors, children, for naked pictures, for pornography. I mean, he’s a sick individual that’s known to be a terrorist and a human trafficker. And these Democrats and liberals stand beside him. They sing for him. They chant for him to be released so that he can perpetuate more crimes on our communities.”

“It’s just, overwhelmingly, these woke activists will be rejected. They will not be elected or supported by the American people, because I’m out on the streets every single day with our law enforcement officers. I’m out there talking to individuals and meeting with victims of these crimes,” Noem added.

“They’re so thankful that they have President Trump in the White House. They’re so thankful that they have a president that’s finally enforcing the law and putting American citizens first, not terrorists like Abrego Garcia.”

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Abrego Garcia’s case has drawn sustained attention since March, when Democrats began rallying behind him after he was deported to El Salvador’s mega-prison by the Trump administration.

Democrat Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen led an effort for lawmakers to meet with him in Central America.

By June, Abrego Garcia was returned to the United States to face criminal charges related to human smuggling.

On Friday, Abrego Garcia was released from a Tennessee prison.

Early Monday morning, federal immigration authorities again took him into custody, with the administration seeking to deport him to Africa or Central America.

By Monday afternoon, Judge Xinis temporarily halted the deportation.

NBC News reported that among the “several grounds” on which she may exercise jurisdiction is that Uganda has not agreed to offer Abrego Garcia protections.

Prior to his detention on Monday, Abrego Garcia attended a rally with supporters who oppose his deportation.

According to NBC News, he told attendees to “remember” that he is free and will be “reunited” with his family.

“I want to thank each and every one of you who marched. Lift your voices, never stop praying and continue to fight in my name,” Abrego Garcia said in Spanish before a translator repeated the statement in English.

Kilmar Abrego Garcia cannot speak a word of English after more than a decade in the United States, relying on a translator in a press conference this morning in Baltimore. pic.twitter.com/jrjLSdeBwV

He thanks his (allegedly) beaten wife, presents himself as a family man, and puts…

— Breitbart News (@BreitbartNews) August 25, 2025

In April, the Department of Justice released documents indicating local law enforcement had evidence of Abrego Garcia’s alleged MS-13 ties dating back to 2019.

While Abrego Garcia’s wife has publicly defended him since the allegations surfaced, she had repeatedly accused him of domestic abuse before he was first deported from the United States.

The Monday order from Judge Xinis keeps Abrego Garcia in federal custody while the court schedules and conducts an evidentiary hearing.

The proceeding will address the government’s removal plans and the legal issues raised by Abrego Garcia’s attorneys and supporters, including the question of receiving country assurances.

Federal officials have not announced a new removal date pending the outcome of the hearing.

Noem’s remarks on “Hannity” underscored the administration’s position that Abrego Garcia should be removed from the country and that federal immigration authorities will continue to pursue deportation.

Supporters of Abrego Garcia said they will continue to oppose removal and seek his release. Further filings in the case are expected ahead of the evidentiary hearing set by the court.