Judge Orders Tump Administration to Repatriate Man Deported ‘Unconstitutionally’ by Monday

A federal judge in Maryland has ordered the Trump administration to return Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran national, by April 7. This follows his erroneous deportation to a notorious prison in El Salvador, despite a court order preventing such action.

U.S. District Court Judge Paula Xinis stated that Abrego Garcia’s deportation was unwarranted, noting the lack of evidence justifying his detention at Centro de Confinamiento del Terrorismo (CECOT). The judge emphasized the constitutional violations in the manner of his removal.

Following the ruling, a significant crowd of protesters outside the courthouse cheered, illustrating the case’s public impact. Hours later, the Department of Justice announced it would appeal the decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit.

Xinis, who was appointed by former President Barack Obama, expressed skepticism regarding the justification for Abrego Garcia’s removal. The attorney for the government claimed uncertainty about the basis for his deportation, citing a lack of information from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

In addition to seeking Abrego Garcia’s return, his legal team is demanding the cessation of U.S. payments to El Salvador for his detention. The Trump administration is currently providing $6 million to the Salvadoran government to detain nearly 300 individuals.

Abrego Garcia’s situation raises further questions regarding the treatment of over 250 Venezuelan men who were deported without due process under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798. Should the ruling favor Abrego Garcia, it could have broader implications for these men as well.

The case’s background reveals that Abrego Garcia, who fled violence in El Salvador, was previously given protection when an immigration judge ruled it more likely than not he would be persecuted if sent back. Recently, he was apprehended by ICE and informed that his immigration status had changed, leading to his rapid deportation to CECOT.

The White House has stood firm, asserting Abrego Garcia has connections to the MS-13 gang, a claim his attorney vehemently disputes, stating he does not have a criminal record. This contradiction adds another layer of complexity to an already contentious situation.

As this case develops, it remains a focal point in the ongoing debate about immigration policies and due process rights within the U.S. judicial system.