Justice Department Withholds Legal Advice Given to Homeland Security on Deportations

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has declined to reveal the legal guidance it provided to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. The advice concerned a policy to deport Venezuelan migrants to El Salvador. Officials cited attorney-client privilege in their refusal. This legal principle protects confidential communications between a lawyer and their client. The DOJ's stance comes amid a congressional contempt inquiry. Lawmakers are investigating the potential use of the controversial deportation flights. By withholding the details, the DOJ has not clarified whether its lawyers endorsed or questioned the policy's legality. The move leaves the basis for the administration's actions formally undisclosed.