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 individuals sent to the CECOT camp in El Salvador. Noem's refusal to commit to checking on the status of Andry Hernandez Romero, a gay man who was sent to the camp despite having a legitimate asylum claim, raises concerns about the administration's disregard for human rights and the safety of vulnerable populations. The fact that Hernandez Romero was given an asylum appointment by the US government and still ended up in a prison camp known for torturing inmates underscores the need for greater oversight and transparency in the administration's immigration policies. As the LGBTQ+ community continues to face discrimination and violence in many parts of the world, the US government's actions in this case may have far-reaching implications for the safety and well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals seeking refuge in the US.
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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 .