Secretary Noem Defends Strict Deportation Strategy Amidst Congressional and Legal Scrutiny
Washington, Friday, 12 December 2025.
While Noem told Congress she would “never yield” on enforcement, she faces a criminal contempt inquiry for allegedly continuing Venezuelan deportations in direct violation of a federal court order.
Partisan Friction over National Guard Attack
Tensions escalated during the House Homeland Security Committee hearing on Thursday, December 11, when Ranking Member Bennie Thompson characterized the November 26 shooting of two National Guard members as an “unfortunate accident.” [2] This description drew a sharp rebuke from Secretary Noem, who insisted the event—which resulted in the death of 20-year-old National Guardswoman Sarah Beckstrom and serious injuries to 24-year-old Guardsman Andrew Wolfe—was a “terrorist attack.” [2] The suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, is a former member of an Afghan Zero Unit who entered the United States through Operation Allies Welcome. [2][5] Although Lakanwal has been charged with murder and assault, terrorism charges have not been filed due to unclear motives, a point of contention given Noem’s assertion that he was “radicalized since he’s been here in this country.” [5]
Security Vetting and Operation Allies Welcome
The hearing underscored significant concerns regarding the vetting protocols of Operation Allies Welcome, a program initiated by the Biden administration following the 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan. [1][2] Intelligence officials have indicated that out of approximately 88,000 Afghans admitted under this program, the U.S. Intelligence Community has identified roughly 2,000 as known or suspected terrorists. [2] This data suggests that approximately 2.273 percent of the total admissions through this specific channel had potential terrorist ties. Furthermore, National Counterterrorism Center Director Joe Kent noted that an additional 16,000 known or suspected terrorists entered during the previous administration’s tenure. [2] Noem leveraged these figures to defend the current administration’s rigid stance, declaring, “We will never yield. We will never waver, and we will never back down.” [1]
Judicial Contempt Inquiry
Beyond the legislative arena, Secretary Noem faces a deepening legal challenge regarding the administration’s use of the Alien Enemies Act. On December 8, 2025, Chief U.S. District Judge James E. Boasberg issued an order to expand the factual record in a criminal contempt inquiry against Noem. [3][4] The investigation centers on allegations that the Department of Homeland Security violated a temporary restraining order issued on the evening of March 15, 2025, which barred the removal of Venezuelan detainees. [3] Despite this judicial order, two planes carrying detainees subsequently landed in El Salvador. [3] Noem has submitted a declaration admitting she made the decision to continue the custody transfer of these detainees after the court’s order was issued. [3]
Upcoming Testimony
To determine whether these actions constitute willful criminal contempt, the court has compelled testimony from key Justice Department officials. Former DOJ attorney Erez Reuveni is scheduled to testify on Monday, December 15, 2025, followed by Deputy Assistant Attorney General Drew Ensign on Tuesday, December 16, 2025. [3][4] Judge Boasberg deemed this testimony necessary due to the “cursory” nature of the declarations previously filed by Noem and DOJ attorneys. [4] This legal battle runs parallel to broader litigation concerning the constitutionality of applying the Alien Enemies Act to the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. [3]