Lawfare Daily Kristi Noem’s Controversial Venezuelan Deportation Flights
Nov 28, 2025
The podcast delves into Kristi Noem's controversial approval of deportation flights for Venezuelan men to a notorious prison in El Salvador. It highlights the government's use of the seldom-invoked Alien Enemies Act and the legal ramifications of ignoring a federal judge's order. Human rights concerns are raised, as many deported had pending asylum claims. Additionally, the discussion touches on potential overreach of executive power and the demand for transparency, sparking a national controversy over immigration practices.
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Wartime Statute Used To Bypass Courts
- The administration used the Alien Enemies Act to deport roughly 100 Venezuelan men to El Salvador despite a federal judge's halt order.
- That move raises questions about expanding executive power and weakening judicial checks on immigration enforcement.
Deportations Sent Men To Notorious Prison
- The deported men were sent to CECOT, El Salvador's notorious maximum-security prison known for overcrowding and alleged abuse.
- At least one man was deported in error after living legally in the U.S. for years, which the government later admitted.
Jurisdiction Argument Sparks Contempt Probe
- Officials argued flights left U.S. airspace before the judge's emergency order, claiming jurisdiction ended mid-flight.
- That technical defense sparked a criminal contempt probe into whether top officials knowingly ignored a court order.