Abrego Garcia Lawyers Push for Fines Against Trump Administration for Court Order Defiance

WASHINGTON — Lawyers representing Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland man deported in error, have filed a motion for civil fines against Trump administration officials. The request comes after these officials allegedly ignored multiple court orders, including directives from the U.S. Supreme Court, to return Abrego Garcia from El Salvador.

In their filing, the attorneys urged Maryland District Judge Paula Xinis to impose sanctions on the government for evading discovery requests. These requests aimed to uncover actions taken towards returning their client. The Trump administration referred to Abrego Garcia’s deportation to a notorious prison in March as an “administrative error.”

“For nine weeks, the Government defied this Court’s order, affirmed by a unanimous Supreme Court, to facilitate Abrego Garcia’s return,” the lawyers noted. They suggested that monetary sanctions could also be imposed on government attorneys personally, highlighting that the 4th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals supports civil contempt sanctions for similar infractions.

Abrego Garcia returned to the U.S. on June 6 but now faces a criminal indictment related to human smuggling. He remains detained and is scheduled for arraignment in Nashville. His lawyers have raised concerns about the timing of the indictment, as reports indicate that the criminal investigation may have begun around the time the court called for expedited discovery into the government’s actions.

“While the Government claimed transparency, it was secretly working to charge Abrego Garcia,” the filing asserts. The attorneys also pointed to Department of Homeland Security attorney Joseph N. Mazzara, suggesting his comments indicate the administration’s intent to keep Abrego Garcia in El Salvador.

The legal team is advocating for the continuation of the discovery process to identify further government officials who defied the court’s orders. They argue that the government’s resistance to share information raises suspicions of misconduct. “What the Government improperly seeks to hide must be exposed for all to see,” they stated.

On June 6, the Trump administration moved to dismiss Abrego Garcia’s civil suit, arguing that it became moot following his arrival in the U.S. However, his attorneys are determined to keep the case alive to address the potential sanctions. “Until the Government is held accountable for its blatant violations of court orders, this case is not over,” they concluded.