A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to immediately bring back Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland man who was wrongfully deported to El Salvador and is now being held in a high-security prison. Judge Paula Xinis called the deportation a “grievous error,” noting that Abrego Garcia had been granted protection in 2019 due to threats from gangs in El Salvador.
Despite this protection, Abrego Garcia was arrested in March 2025 and deported without warning or proper legal process. He is currently detained in El Salvador’s notorious CECOT prison, known for its severe conditions and overcrowding.
The U.S. Department of Justice initially challenged the judge’s order, claiming that courts cannot force the executive branch to negotiate with foreign governments. However, Judge Xinis dismissed that argument, stating the U.S. has a legal obligation to correct its mistake.
In the aftermath, two Justice Department officials—Erez Reuveni and his supervisor August Flentje—have been placed on administrative leave. Attorney General Pam Bondi defended the administration’s legal strategy but said internal reviews are underway.
Abrego Garcia’s lawyers are urging for his immediate release, stressing the life-threatening risks he faces and the lack of evidence linking him to any criminal activity. His case has drawn national attention as a striking example of immigration mismanagement.
