Abrego Garcia’s Legal Team Stands Firm Against Trump Administration: “A Stain on the Constitution”

WASHINGTON — Attorneys for Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was wrongfully deported from Maryland but has now returned to the U.S., are urging the court to keep his civil case active. They seek sanctions against the Trump administration for failing to comply with a Supreme Court order that mandated his return.

“This case is not over until the Government is held accountable for its blatant disregard of court orders, which has caused significant suffering to Abrego Garcia and his family,” his lawyers stated in a brief filed on Sunday. They emphasized the need for accountability, arguing that the executive branch’s actions undermine the Constitution.

On Friday, the Trump administration moved to dismiss the civil suit in Maryland, claiming it is no longer relevant since Abrego Garcia has landed back in the U.S. He now faces criminal charges related to “alien smuggling.” A grand jury indictment from May 21 accused him of conspiracy to unlawfully transport undocumented individuals and alleged he is connected to the MS-13 gang.

Abrego Garcia’s attorneys dispute these allegations. Meanwhile, Justice Department lawyers have filed a motion to deny him bail, citing concerns that he could flee and pose a threat to the community. Convictions on these charges could lead to a decade-long prison sentence for each undocumented person involved.

The civil lawsuit was initiated by Abrego Garcia’s family after his arrest in March, which led to his rapid deportation to a notorious prison in El Salvador—despite having protections against removal since 2019. His arrest was reportedly based not on criminal behavior, but rather a change in his immigration status. The Trump administration acknowledged that his deportation was a mistake but insisted that he was in custody abroad and could not be returned.

Statements from Trump administration officials highlighted their belief that Abrego Garcia should not have returned to the U.S., with Trump himself expressing dissatisfaction with the situation, calling it a “disaster.” Attorney General Pam Bondi thanked El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele upon presenting an arrest warrant for Abrego Garcia.

The administration argues that the civil case is moot now that Abrego Garcia has returned, but his legal team contends that his return was not due to compliance with court orders but rather to facilitate new criminal charges against him. They accuse the Government of engaging in a prolonged stalling tactic to avoid accountability.

Judge Paula Xinis, presiding over the case, has granted Abrego Garcia’s attorneys until Wednesday to file their request for sanctions against the former administration. They aim to obtain discovery documents that could provide insight into the government’s actions leading to Abrego Garcia’s return. His arraignment in Nashville is set for Friday.