DHS Denies Covert Diversion of Search Aircraft to Support Deportation Operations

The Department of Homeland Security has firmly rejected allegations that a Coast Guard C-130 aircraft was diverted from a critical search mission for a missing service member in the Pacific Ocean during February 2025 to support deportation flights.

According to DHS, the aircraft remained with the search operation from February 4 through February 8 before returning to San Diego on February 9—the day after the mission was suspended. The department emphasized that there is no documentation showing the aircraft was pulled from the rescue effort.

The agency also dismissed reports of tensions between Secretary Kristi Noem and senior Coast Guard leadership over immigration enforcement priorities. A DHS spokesperson described such claims as “a politicized deep state effort to undermine President Trump’s immigration enforcement agenda and distract from the historic successes that the Department of Homeland Security and the Coast Guard have achieved since he returned to office.”

DHS further rejected allegations involving Secretary Noem’s senior adviser, Corey Lewandowski, and Coast Guard flight staff over personal items left on government aircraft. The department maintained that suggestions of misconduct or resource misuse are unfounded.

The administration has significantly expanded deportation operations under Secretary Noem’s leadership, a move that has created friction with career officials within the Department. However, President Trump has publicly defended Noem, stating he “has full confidence” in her leadership and credits her for helping secure the border.

DHS officials assert that the Coast Guard remains mission-ready and that concerns about a crisis in morale or leadership are politically motivated.