Noem unloads on Van Hollen over 'advocacy for a known terrorist'

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem excoriated Sen. Chris Van Hollen on Thursday for his defense of deported MS-13 gang suspect Kilmar Abrego Garcia, saying his “advocacy for a known terrorist is alarming.”

Mr. Van Hollen, Maryland Democrat, had confronted Ms. Noem over whether she was complying with court orders demanding that she “facilitate” the deported man’s return to the U.S. so he can refight his deportation.

Ms. Noem, who was appearing before the Senate Appropriations Committee, did not answer directly but instead blasted Mr. Van Hollen for his defense of Mr. Abrego Garcia, which included a high-profile visit to see him in El Salvador.

The secretary said Mr. Abrego Garcia is “a human smuggler” and “wifebeater” and deserved to be ousted.

“He’s not a U.S. citizen,” she said. “He’s a citizen of El Salvador, and he is home.”

Mr. Van Hollen feverishly denounced the attack.

“I’m not vouching for the man. I’m vouching for his due process,” the senator said.

Sen. Chris Murphy, Connecticut Democrat, was even more critical of Ms. Noem, saying she was intentionally making life cruel for illegal immigrants, which is why the border has become more secure.

“The primary reason why [border] encounters are down is you are brazenly violating the law every hour of every day,” he said.

He, too, challenged Ms. Noem over Mr. Abrego Garcia’s treatment.

The secretary flatly rejected ever allowing him to return to the U.S.

“There is no scenario where Abrego Garcia will be in the United States again,” she said. “If he were to come back, we would immediately deport him again.”