A federal judge in Maryland criticized the Trump administration for a “grievous error” in the deportation of Salvadoran migrant Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, who was sent to a dangerous prison in El Salvador last month. Judge Paula Xinis described the situation as shocking and stated there was little the administration could do to rectify it.
In a detailed 22-page order, Judge Xinis demanded that the government return Mr. Abrego Garcia to the United States by the end of Monday. The ruling also rejected the Justice Department's request to pause this order while an appeals court reviewed its legality.
Judge Xinis condemned the administration for violating a prior court order that allowed Mr. Abrego Garcia to remain in the U.S. She noted that officials had no legal authority to arrest or detain him and criticized the rationale behind his deportation.
She specifically challenged the administration's claims that Mr. Abrego Garcia was affiliated with the violent gang MS-13, labeling the evidence against him as unsubstantiated and based on a single allegation. The judge highlighted that the supposed evidence included only his clothing and an unfounded claim from a confidential informant.
Despite the acknowledgment of an error, the Trump administration continued to defend the deportation. Attorney General Pam Bondi maintained that Mr. Abrego Garcia was indeed a gang member, referencing testimony from immigration agents.
On the day following the judge's order, it was reported that the Justice Department placed on leave Erez Reuveni, the lawyer who admitted frustration with the administration's handling of the case during the court proceedings.
The Justice Department has requested that the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit pause Judge Xinis’s order, which requires the return of Mr. Abrego Garcia by 11:59 p.m. on Monday. The appeals court is expected to make a ruling soon, following the submission of supporting documents from Mr. Abrego Garcia’s legal team.