“If hell exists, Kristi Noem is a sure candidate,” remarked a pastor.
U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem has come under severe criticism following her recent video from a large El Salvador prison housing deported immigrants. The backlash stems from a tour she took on Wednesday at the facility, which currently holds individuals deported by the Trump administration earlier in March.
The Trump administration has come under scrutiny for deporting more than 200 Venezuelans despite a court order, labeling them as gang affiliates.
In her video, Noem is seen in front of a cell with male detainees, some dressed only in trousers, as she cautions against illegal entry into the United States.
“This is some truly sick stuff,” commented Fred Wellman, a political consultant and podcast host, on the same day. John Pavlovitz, an author and pastor, criticized, “If hell exists, Kristi Noem is a sure candidate.” Noem also faced accusations of exploiting the imprisoned men for “content.”
“If you ever wondered what the Gestapo would look like in 2025, here’s your answer,” remarked the account Polling USA, managed by Curtis Fric, who publishes public data, likening the scenario to the infamous Nazi political police.
While on her tour, Noem visited two cell blocks and other sectors of the prison, as reported by CNN. Although the Trump administration asserts that the deported detainees have connections to gangs, statements from lawyers and relatives of the migrants argue that many do not have gang affiliations.
“If you enter our country unlawfully, this could be one of the outcomes you face,” stated Noem in the video. “First and foremost, do not enter our country illegally. You will be deported and prosecuted, but be aware that this facility is one of the many strategies we have to deal with criminal actions against Americans.”
When deporting the Venezuelans, the Trump administration employed a seldom-used law that allows the president to detain or deport noncitizens without a prior hearing before an immigration or federal court judge.
On Wednesday, a federal appeals court panel upheld a lower court’s temporary order preventing the Trump administration from deporting more immigrants under the Alien Enemies Act.
