DHS Denies Diversion of Search Aircraft for Deportation Flights
The Department of Homeland Security has rejected claims that Secretary Kristi Noem directed Coast Guard officials to divert a C-130 aircraft from a February 2025 search-and-rescue mission for a missing Coast Guardsman in order to support deportation operations.
DHS confirmed the aircraft remained with the search effort: “The C-130 supported the search from February 4 through February 8 out of El Salvador and returned to San Diego on February 9, the day after the search was suspended.”
Additionally, DHS dismissed allegations involving Secretary Noem’s senior adviser, Corey Lewandowski, and Coast Guard flight staff regarding personal items left on government aircraft. The department stated there is no evidence supporting claims of misconduct.
The Department of Homeland Security has emphasized that its immigration enforcement initiatives under Secretary Kristi Noem have been successful and that suggestions of internal conflict or resource mismanagement are politically motivated.
