Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem accused CBS News of editing her interview on Face the Nation to conceal critical details about Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s criminal background. Noem said CBS cut portions where she described Garcia as a human smuggler, MS-13 gang member, domestic abuser, and predator who solicited nude photos from minors.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, CBS removed more than four minutes from Noem’s interview, including nearly 30 seconds where she provided the most damning details about Garcia’s criminal record. In the unaired portion, Noem said Garcia’s own human trafficking associates had told him to stop because of the disturbing way he treated children.
In the broadcast version, CBS aired only her general statement that Garcia should not “walk free in the United States.” Noem later accused the network of attempting to “whitewash” the case, saying that Americans deserve to know the full truth about criminals being detained and deported.
Garcia, a Salvadoran national, was recently detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement and faces deportation. His lawyers are pushing back, requesting that a federal judge block officials from making what they call “baseless public attacks.” CBS has not addressed the allegations of selective editing, but the missing footage has been confirmed by DHS.
The controversy highlights tensions between the Trump administration and major media outlets over coverage of immigration enforcement. Noem has made it clear that the administration will continue to prioritize the deportation of violent offenders, while calling out media organizations that, in her words, downplay the threat posed by illegal immigrants tied to gangs and trafficking networks.
