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Controversy Surrounds Deportation of Salvadoran Man by Trump Administration
The Trump administration has placed a DOJ lawyer on leave after failing to “zealously advocate” for the government’s stance in a case regarding the erroneous deportation of a Salvadoran man residing in Maryland.
Attorney General Pam Bondi’s office took action against Erez Reuveni following a hearing where a judge mandated that Kilmar Abrego Garcia be returned to the U.S. by Monday. The decision to put Reuveni on indefinite paid leave was confirmed by sources familiar with the matter.
“At my direction, every Department of Justice attorney is required to zealously advocate on behalf of the United States,” Bondi stated to the New York Times. “Any attorney who fails to abide by this direction will face consequences.”
An inquiry has been made to the DOJ for a response regarding the ongoing situation.
Expert Calls for Resolution on Mistaken Deportation
In an undated photograph shared by the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, Kilmar Abrego Garcia is seen being escorted by guards in a Salvadoran prison facility.
Reuveni admitted in court that Garcia’s deportation was indeed a mistake. Meanwhile, the Trump administration filed an emergency appeal on Saturday, contending that U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis does not possess the authority to compel the return of Garcia.
Judge Xinis had ruled that the government must facilitate Garcia’s return to the U.S. before the deadline set for midnight on Monday. The government’s emergency appeal seeks to temporarily halt this ruling while it reviews its legal options.
“Late Friday, a federal judge ordered the United States to ensure the return of an MS-13 member to the U.S. by Monday. This situation calls for an emergency stay pending appeal,” the administration argued in its legal filing.
The government expressed that it “does not control” Garcia since he is currently in El Salvador. Furthermore, the appeal criticized the court’s injunction as “indefensible,” asserting that it lacked the jurisdiction to require the U.S. to mandate actions from a foreign government.
The appeal pointed out that Garcia is recognized as a member of MS-13, questioning his legal entitlement to remain in the U.S.
Administrative Error Acknowledged Amid Justifications
Judge Xinis indicated that Garcia’s expulsion on March 15 by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) breached the Administrative Procedures Act, as it was executed without proper judicial review.
The administration has admitted that Garcia’s removal constituted an “administrative error,” but continues to assert that he maintains connections with the gang MS-13. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized that this “illegal criminal” is implicated in serious criminal activity, including human trafficking.
“Since MS-13 is now designated as a foreign terrorist organization, individuals associated with it have no legal protections in the U.S.,” Leavitt asserted, reiterating the administration’s commitment to remain vigilant against illegal immigration and criminal activities.
Five years ago, an immigration judge denied Garcia’s asylum request but granted him protection from deportation, highlighting fears about potential victimization by local gangs if he returned to El Salvador.
Garcia’s wife, Jennifer Vasquez Sura, a U.S. citizen, has actively lobbied for his return. At the time of his arrest in a Maryland IKEA parking lot on March 12, Garcia was employed as a sheet metal apprentice, with his 5-year-old son present in the vehicle.
Legal Defense Highlights Lack of Evidence
Garcia’s legal team contends that he holds a work permit from the Department of Homeland Security and vehemently denies any association with gangs, challenging the government’s accusations as inadequately substantiated.
As it stands, questions remain about how the government will comply with the judge’s order, considering Garcia’s current detention in El Salvador.
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