Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on Monday issued a strong warning about Kilmar Abrego Garcia, whose deportation to Uganda was halted earlier in the day by a federal judge. “This man is a suspected terrorist known to affiliate and be friends with MS-13 members,” Noem said during an appearance on Newsmax TV. “He’s an extremely dangerous individual. A known wife-beater. This is someone that should never be free in the United States.”

The judge’s order keeps Abrego Garcia at a Virginia detention facility to ensure access to legal counsel. Noem criticized the decision, blaming “activist judges” and liberal opposition to President Trump for what she called a failure to prioritize national safety. “They have defended this terrorist and individual who is out there partnering with other criminals… just to oppose President Trump,” she said.

Noem expressed relief that Abrego Garcia remains in custody but emphasized the need for long-term justice. “He’s off the streets today, which means the American people are safe,” she said. “But we are hoping he will face penalties for what he has done.”

She vowed to use “every tool in the toolbox” to ensure Garcia is ultimately deported and no longer poses a threat to U.S. citizens. Noem underscored the administration’s commitment to removing dangerous individuals from the country.

“This is not the average person Democrats claim he is,” Noem added. “He is a terrorist. He is a wife-beater. He trafficked individuals and even solicited minors for nude images. He is a horrible individual who must be held accountable for his crimes.”