Noem Denies U.S. Citizen Deportations in Heated Clash

A heated exchange unfolded Tuesday before the House Appropriations Committee as South Dakota’s Secretary Kristi Noem faced pointed questioning from Representative Lauren Underwood (D-IL) regarding potential illegal deportations by the Department of Homeland Security. The confrontation centered on whether the Trump administration was upholding the constitutional right to due process for all individuals within U.S. borders, including non-citizens.

Underwood directly asked Noem if she believed the Constitution extended due process rights to everyone in the country. Noem repeatedly attempted to explain the administration’s position on immigration enforcement, but Underwood pressed for a simple “yes” or “no” answer, repeatedly reclaiming her time as Noem spoke over her.

The exchange grew increasingly tense, with Underwood expressing frustration at Noem’s evasiveness. “Excuse me, ma’am, I’m trying to ascertain your understanding of the law…and you, as its leader, should be able to give us a yes or no answer,” Underwood stated.

Noem eventually affirmed that the administration was not deporting U.S. citizens, a claim Underwood challenged, asserting that “several American citizens have been deported to date.” Noem vehemently denied this, stating, “No, they haven’t. That is not true.”

Underwood concluded by emphasizing the oath of office sworn by both herself and Noem – to uphold the Constitution, not any particular political agenda.

The questioning followed reports that the Department of Homeland Security deported three children, including one battling cancer, along with their undocumented mothers the previous week. Underwood highlighted that these children were, in fact, U.S. citizens.

This incident underscores a critical and deeply concerning pattern. While debates surrounding immigration policy are complex, the fundamental right to due process, and the protection of U.S. citizens from unlawful deportation, should be non-negotiable. The fact that a member of Congress felt compelled to repeatedly ask a cabinet secretary for a simple affirmation of this principle speaks volumes. The administration’s apparent reluctance to directly address the issue, coupled with reports of U.S. citizen deportations, demands immediate and thorough investigation. The focus should not be on defending policy, but on ensuring the fundamental rights of all individuals, especially vulnerable children, are protected.