A senior Justice Department immigration lawyer was placed on indefinite leave after questioning the Trump administration's decision to deport a Maryland man to El Salvador, just one day after representing the government in court.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche suspended Erez Reuveni, the acting deputy director of the department’s immigration litigation division, citing his failure to follow a directive from superiors, according to a letter obtained by The New York Times.
Mr. Reuveni, who had recently been praised as a top prosecutor by his superiors, is the latest career official to face suspension or dismissal for noncompliance with directives deemed improper by President Trump’s appointees.
Attorney General Pam Bondi stated that every Department of Justice attorney is required to advocate zealously on behalf of the United States and warned that failure to comply would result in consequences.
During a federal court hearing, Mr. Reuveni acknowledged that the deportation of Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, who had a court order allowing him to remain in the U.S., should not have occurred. He expressed frustration over the case.
Mr. Reuveni requested 24 hours to persuade the Trump administration to begin the process of returning Mr. Abrego Garcia to the U.S. However, less than a day later, Mr. Blanche accused him of acting prejudicially and suspended him with pay, cutting off his access to work email and responsibilities.
Judge Paula Xinis of the Federal District Court in Washington criticized the administration's actions, stating they lacked legal basis and violated due process in Mr. Abrego Garcia's deportation.
The Justice Department subsequently requested a federal appeals court to pause the judge's order to return Mr. Abrego Garcia, arguing that it was neither possible nor proper.
In previous filings, the Justice Department alleged Mr. Abrego Garcia's affiliation with MS-13, a gang originating from El Salvador, but has provided limited evidence for these claims, which he denies.
Judge Xinis expressed skepticism about the government's evidence, emphasizing that accusations of gang membership should be supported by robust legal processes.
The duration of Mr. Reuveni's leave and potential disciplinary actions remain unclear. He had previously received commendations for supporting aspects of the Trump administration's immigration policies.
His promotion to acting deputy director was announced by Drew C. Ensign, who highlighted Mr. Reuveni's contributions to cases against sanctuary cities and the expansion of the department's litigation efforts.
Mr. Ensign is also involved in a separate immigration case defending the use of the Alien Enemies Act to deport Venezuelan migrants linked to the gang Tren de Aragua.