A Maryland federal judge has given the Trump administration a two-week ultimatum to prove they are working to return Kilmar Ábrego García, a man erroneously deported to El Salvador. Judge Paula Xinis criticized the lack of progress on the case, stressing that any futher delay would not be tolerated. The situation remains complex, with conflicting statements from government representatives and international implications tied to the Salvadoran president's lack of authority to assist.
Judge Issues Urgent Warning to Trump Admin Over Deportation Case
Judge Issues Urgent Warning to Trump Admin Over Deportation Case
Federal judge demands prompt action to rectify wrongful deportation of Maryland resident.
In a hearing held on Tuesday, Judge Paula Xinis expressed her frustration with the Trump administration's lack of action concerning the return of Kilmar Ábrego García, a Salvadoran national wrongfully deported to an El Salvador mega-prison last month. The judge has demanded evidence and concrete steps taken by government officials to resolve the issue within two weeks.
"To date, what the record shows is that nothing has been done. Nothing," Judge Xinis stated, emphasizing her expectation for immediate engagement from the department of homeland security and immigration officials. The backdrop to this case involves accusations that Mr. Ábrego García has gang affiliations, which his legal team firmly denies, insisting he has never been charged with any crime.
In recent developments, Judge Xinis ordered four officials from the US homeland security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement to provide answers under oath by April 23, indicative of her determination to hold the administration accountable. Meanwhile, Attorney Drew Ensign asserted in court that they would assist in Mr. Ábrego García's return, contingent on his voluntarily presenting himself at a US port of entry, an option contradicted by another government filing suggesting he would face detention or deportation to a third country.
Prior to the hearing, ongoing public outcry from family and supporting demonstrators highlighted the human impact of such legal proceedings. Mr. Ábrego García's wife, Jennifer Vasquez Sura, urged both the Trump administration and the Salvadoran government to cease political maneuvering with her husband’s life.
This current scenario reflects a significant constitutional confrontation between the Trump administration and the judiciary, as the Supreme Court has partially favored Judge Xinis's ruling while also casting doubt on whether she has overstepped her authority. With another 200 individuals in similar predicaments, Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen is set to travel to El Salvador to assess Mr. Ábrego García's situation and advocate for his return.
The case remains fluid, with Judge Xinis keeping a watchful eye on the administration's next steps, as the lives of those entangled in this bureaucratic struggle hang in the balance.
"To date, what the record shows is that nothing has been done. Nothing," Judge Xinis stated, emphasizing her expectation for immediate engagement from the department of homeland security and immigration officials. The backdrop to this case involves accusations that Mr. Ábrego García has gang affiliations, which his legal team firmly denies, insisting he has never been charged with any crime.
In recent developments, Judge Xinis ordered four officials from the US homeland security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement to provide answers under oath by April 23, indicative of her determination to hold the administration accountable. Meanwhile, Attorney Drew Ensign asserted in court that they would assist in Mr. Ábrego García's return, contingent on his voluntarily presenting himself at a US port of entry, an option contradicted by another government filing suggesting he would face detention or deportation to a third country.
Prior to the hearing, ongoing public outcry from family and supporting demonstrators highlighted the human impact of such legal proceedings. Mr. Ábrego García's wife, Jennifer Vasquez Sura, urged both the Trump administration and the Salvadoran government to cease political maneuvering with her husband’s life.
This current scenario reflects a significant constitutional confrontation between the Trump administration and the judiciary, as the Supreme Court has partially favored Judge Xinis's ruling while also casting doubt on whether she has overstepped her authority. With another 200 individuals in similar predicaments, Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen is set to travel to El Salvador to assess Mr. Ábrego García's situation and advocate for his return.
The case remains fluid, with Judge Xinis keeping a watchful eye on the administration's next steps, as the lives of those entangled in this bureaucratic struggle hang in the balance.
