Noem Falsely Claimed ICE Deported a Cannibal, Officials Say

Law enforcement sources say the story about a cannibal on an ICE deportation flight was completely fabricated.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem repeatedly told a story in high-profile public remarks about a cannibal who ate other people and then began to eat himself on an ICE deportation flight. However, three federal law enforcement officials have now told The Intercept that the entire story was fabricated and never actually happened.

Why it matters

Noem's willingness to deceive the public about an immigrant 'cannibal' is part of a broader pattern of the Trump administration making false claims to demonize immigrants. This case highlights how Noem and the Department of Homeland Security have frequently spread misinformation and refused to correct the record, even when confronted with evidence that their statements were false.

The details

Noem told the cannibal story alongside President Trump and on Fox News, claiming an ICE air marshal had relayed the details to her. However, the three federal law enforcement officials said there was no truth to the story and that Noem was the source of the fabrication. One senior official said, 'It is completely false' and that 'it never took place. It's a lie.' The DHS spokesperson claimed Noem was simply relaying the air marshal's account, but the officials disputed this.

  • In July 2025, Noem first told the cannibal story publicly.
  • In November 2025, DHS officials denied having information about the alleged cannibal incident.

The players

Kristi Noem

The Homeland Security Secretary who repeatedly told the fabricated story about a cannibal on an ICE deportation flight.

Donald Trump

The former president who appeared alongside Noem when she told the cannibal story.

Tammy Duckworth

A U.S. Senator who has called for Noem's resignation or impeachment over her pattern of making false statements.

Robin Kelly

A U.S. Representative who introduced articles of impeachment against Noem following the killing of Alex Pretti.

Marimar Martinez

A woman who was falsely accused by DHS of being a 'domestic terrorist' after an incident with federal agents, despite charges against her being dropped.

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What they’re saying

“It is completely false. That never happened. It's a lie.”

— Senior federal law enforcement official (The Intercept)

“This administration's pattern of abusing innocent Americans in the street — from tear-gassing kids to shooting and killing citizens — and then turning around and lying about it to try and cover their asses cannot be allowed to continue.”

— Tammy Duckworth, U.S. Senator (The Intercept)

“Kristi Noem has blood on her hands. Each time, Secretary Noem lied to our faces and tried to justify the murder of innocent lives. People are disgusted by her.”

— Robin Kelly, U.S. Representative (The Intercept)

What’s next

The House Homeland Security Committee is expected to hold a hearing to investigate Noem's false claims and the broader pattern of misinformation from the Department of Homeland Security.

The takeaway

Noem's fabricated story about a cannibal immigrant is part of a larger effort by the Trump administration to demonize immigrants through the use of racially-charged rhetoric and false narratives. This case highlights the administration's disregard for the truth and its willingness to spread misinformation to the public.