rights
Remember when cruel Kristi Noem didn't care if a gay man she sent to a torture camp died?
By Alex Bollinger at LGBTQ Nation
· June 20, 2026
· 4 min read
Rep. Robert Garcia (D-CA) confronted Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem about the administration sending a gay man to a prison camp in El Salvador and not even knowing if he's still alive. Noem said that it wasn't her problem. Noem, who has bragged in the past about shooting her dog to death, a
Key takeaway Robert Garcia (D-CA) confronted Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem about the administration sending a gay man to a prison camp in El Salvador and not even knowing if he's still alive.
Why this matters
The exchange between Rep. Robert Garcia and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem highlights the administration's lack of accountability for the welfare of LGBTQ+ individuals seeking asylum in the US. By sending Andry Hernandez Romero to a notorious prison camp in El Salvador without ensuring his safety, the administration has raised concerns about its commitment to protecting vulnerable populations. Noem's refusal to commit to checking on Hernandez Romero's status, despite acknowledging the camp as a "tool in our toolkit," suggests a troubling disregard for human rights. This incident is particularly alarming given the significant variability in legal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals across US states, underscoring the need for robust federal safeguards. The National LGBTQ Task Force and other advocacy groups may play a crucial role in pressing for greater accountability and transparency in the treatment of LGBTQ+ asylum seekers.
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Category: rights ·
Published: June 20, 2026 ·
Source: LGBTQ Nation ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Rep. Robert Garcia (D-CA) confronted Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem about the administration sending a gay man to a prison camp in El Salvador and not even knowing if he's still alive. Noem said that it wasn't her problem. Noem, who has bragged in the past about shooting her dog to death, a
When was this published? This article was first published on June 20, 2026 by LGBTQ Nation and curated for LGBTQ News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Alex Bollinger at LGBTQ Nation. To learn more about how LGBTQ News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more rights coverage from LGBTQ News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .