Kristi Noem Claims CBS News Edited Her Interview To Distort The Truth About Abrego Garcia

DHS Director Calls Out CBS for Editing Interview

Homeland Security Director Kristi Noem recently shared an interview in which CBS News omitted significant details regarding the criminal history of MS-13 member Kilmar Abrego Garcia. On Sunday, Noem highlighted the parts of her remarks about Garcia on social media, pointing out that the edited version failed to mention Garcia’s connections to human smuggling, his solicitation of nude photos from minors, and domestic violence against his wife.

Noem expressed her frustration about this on X, stating, “This morning I joined CBS to report on the facts about Kilmer Abrego Garcia. Instead, CBS embarrassingly compiled the interview to whitewash the truth about this MS-13 gang member and the threat he poses to American public safety.” She urged viewers to check out her interviews for the complete story.

Interestingly, CBS News cut down one portion of Noem’s response to merely showcase her comments on the Trump administration’s efforts to prevent Garcia from being released into the U.S. According to Noem, Garcia is a known criminal involved in human smuggling and other severe offenses.

The edited segment skipped directly to a question posed by CBS White House correspondent Ed O’Keefe, which asked if the government would continue to work on deporting Garcia to Uganda.

CBS News also faced legal trouble recently, settling a $36 million lawsuit with former President Trump. This lawsuit stemmed from allegations of deception linked to a “60 Minutes” interview with former Vice President Kamala Harris, where certain responses were reportedly left out in a way that benefited her political narrative.

Garcia’s deportation saga began after he was mistakenly removed from the U.S. in March 2023. He had entered the country illegally in 2011 and claimed he should remain due to supposed ties to MS-13. Police documents indicated his gang affiliation, describing his position and criminal background.

In a 2019 ruling, a judge confirmed Garcia’s status as a “verified member of MS-13,” granting him a temporary stay known as “withholding of removal.” Settling in Maryland, Garcia married an American citizen and has one child.

In more recent events, Garcia was implicated in human smuggling when local authorities found him transporting several passengers without luggage in a vehicle owned by another illegal immigrant who had a history of similar crimes.

His wife filed for a restraining order against him in August 2020, citing several acts of abuse. The administration had initially supported Garcia’s return in June, intending for him to face his charges. Yet, a federal judge intervened in his deportation process, ultimately halting it.