Inside El Salvador’s high-security prison US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem visited

US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem visited a high-security prison in El Salvador on Wednesday. The prison holds Venezuelans deported from the US, accused by the Trump administration of being gang members. Noem toured overcrowded cell blocks, the armoury, and an isolation unit. (AP photo)

Inmates are packed into cells and never allowed outside. Noem walked past Venezuelan detainees, who stood in silence before shouting an unclear chant as she left. She also visited Salvadoran prisoners, some of whom had gang tattoos. (AP photo)

Noem recorded a message inside the prison, warning immigrants of the risks of illegal entry. She said, if someone commit crimes against the American people, "this is one of the consequences you could face.” (AP photo)

Reporters asked if the Venezuelans would be in prison indefinitely or if they could return to the US if a court ordered it. Noem did not give a clear answer, saying, “We’re going to let the courts play out.” (AP photo)

The Venezuelans were deported under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798. Trump used this law to claim the US was being “invaded” by the Tren de Aragua gang. The act allows deportations without court hearings. (AP photo)

Since taking office, Kristi Noem has led efforts to highlight immigration crackdowns. She joined enforcement operations, rode with Border Patrol, and led a TV campaign urging self-deportation. (AP photo)