A federal judge has put the Trump administration on notice regarding the wrongful deportation of a Salvadoran man, demanding swift action and transparency from officials.
Judge Demands Action From Trump Administration in Deportation Controversy
Judge Demands Action From Trump Administration in Deportation Controversy
Federal judge expresses urgency in Kilmar Ábrego García's deportation case, warning against government inaction.
In a recent court hearing, federal judge Paula Xinis has given the Trump administration a two-week ultimatum to present evidence regarding the deportation of Kilmar Ábrego García, a Maryland man who has been wrongfully sent back to a mega-prison in El Salvador. This comes after the administration failed to demonstrate any progress in the case, leading Judge Xinis to express frustration over a lack of action and a potential contempt of court ruling.
Judge Xinis, who has been overseeing the case since an emergency ruling by the Supreme Court, stated during the Greenbelt, Maryland, hearing, “To date, what the record shows is that nothing has been done.” She insisted on having four Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials provide testimony under oath by April 23.
The case centers on claims made by the Trump administration that Ábrego García holds ties to the notorious MS-13 gang, allegations which his legal team vehemently denies, asserting that he has never faced any charges. The Supreme Court previously ordered for his release, and although El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele acknowledged his inability to facilitate Ábrego García's return, he hinted at ongoing difficulties due to the current political landscape.
As the court session progressed, the Justice Department lawyer suggested that the return process could be initiated if Ábrego García voluntarily presents himself at a U.S. port of entry. However, a contrary statement from Homeland Security indicated he would be detained upon reentry, complicating matters further.
A court order from 2019 had previously granted Ábrego García protections against deportation due to potential persecution risks from gangs in El Salvador. His wife, Jennifer Vasquez Sura, rallied protesters outside the federal court, criticizing the administration's handling of her husband's situation. She expressed her desperation, urging a halt to the "political games" impacting her family's life.
The administration's handling of the case has led to heightened tensions with the judiciary, with responses from the Trump administration suggesting that Judge Xinis overstepped her authority by directing governmental action in matters of foreign policy. Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen announced plans to travel to El Salvador to check on Ábrego García's wellbeing and seek his release from the mega-prison he entered following his deportation.
As the situation continues to unfold, the judge's remarks underscore a legal tug-of-war, raising questions about government accountability in cases of wrongful deportation amidst broader immigration policy challenges.
