Kristi Noem Claims Deportation of a 'Cannibal' — Federal Officials Dispute the Story
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's assertion regarding the deportation of an undocumented immigrant described as a “cannibal” has been met with skepticism from multiple law enforcement officials.
In June of last year, during an interview with a prominent news host, Noem defended Florida’s controversial immigrant detention facility, dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz” by critics. “I was talking to a U.S. marshal just yesterday,” she stated, “and he was talking about the fact that they were deporting a plane load of illegals, and one of them was a cannibal.”
She elaborated, claiming the individual “called himself a cannibal, ate other people and ate himself.” This narrative was reiterated days later at a media roundtable following a tour of the facility with notable political figures.
According to Noem, the alleged “cannibal” had to be forcibly removed from a plane by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials after he “started to eat himself.” However, she did not provide any identifying details about this individual, such as his name or country of origin.
This week, three federal law enforcement officials, including representatives from Noem’s own Department of Homeland Security, categorically rejected her claims in a report. “It is completely false,” one senior official stated anonymously.
The official further emphasized that Noem’s assertions are “completely made up” and “never happened.” Another official clarified that the story originated solely from Noem, not from the marshals she referenced.
When approached for comment, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security indicated that Noem had merely repeated a story relayed to her by an air marshal during a deportation flight.
“What ‘fabrication’ of the story of the cannibal?” the spokesperson questioned. “She was told that story on a deportation flight by one of the air marshals.”
Noem has often employed dehumanizing rhetoric to justify the Trump administration’s immigration policies. Recently, she has faced increasing calls for resignation following tragic incidents involving ICE agents in Minneapolis.
Among those advocating for her removal are Republican senators Thom Tillis and Lisa Murkowski, alongside Democratic Rep. Robin Kelly, who introduced articles of impeachment against her earlier this year.
Despite the mounting pressure, Noem has remained resolute, labeling her critics as “radicals.” “I’m just doing my job,” she asserted in a recent interview. “I’m following the law, enforcing the laws, like President Trump promised that he would do to keep people safe in this country.”
