Justice Department Puts Attorney on Leave Following Confusing Maryland Deportation Case

A Justice Department attorney has been put on administrative leave after struggling to explain the deportation of a man from Maryland to El Salvador during a court hearing. Erez Reuveni, the attorney, faced tough questions from U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis, who sought clarity on why Kilmar Abrego Garcia was removed from the U.S.

Reuveni showed visible frustration, admitting that he lacked critical details and was getting little support from his higher-ups. He stated, “Abrego Garcia should not have been removed,” and expressed his confusion about the circumstances surrounding Garcia’s arrest.

Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasized that all Justice Department attorneys must advocate strongly for the U.S. and warned that any failure to do so would lead to consequences. Following this incident, Reuveni’s future at the Justice Department is uncertain.

The issues in this case highlight ongoing tensions between the judicial system and the Trump administration. Many judges have expressed concern about the administration’s legal tactics. During the hearing, when asked about evidence for Garcia’s arrest, Reuveni noted, “The absence of evidence speaks for itself.” He also raised the question of how it would be possible to return Garcia to the U.S., to which he was met with silence from his clients.

Abrego Garcia was deported to a notorious prison in El Salvador on March 15, where conditions are known to be dangerous. He arrived in Maryland in 2011 as a protected legal resident. The government later claimed his removal was due to an “administrative error.”

Garcia recently filed a lawsuit demanding his return to the U.S. However, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem contended that the government lacked the authority to bring him back to the country. Despite this, Judge Xinis ruled that the government must return Garcia by Monday night.

The Trump administration has claimed that Garcia is affiliated with the MS-13 gang. Yet, Garcia’s lawyer insists he has no criminal history in either the U.S. or El Salvador and fled gang violence. Additionally, an immigration judge previously ruled that returning him to El Salvador would likely lead to persecution.

The administration has now asked the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals to pause Judge Xinis’s ruling. This ongoing legal drama reveals a broader debate about immigration laws and the rights of individuals facing deportation.

Interestingly, a recent survey showed that a majority of Americans, about 67%, support policies that provide protections for undocumented immigrants, highlighting a growing divide between public opinion and government enforcement.

As this case unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the complexities and implications of immigration law, especially for individuals trying to escape violence and persecution. For more on this issue, you can read the latest updates from trusted sources like NBC News or legal analyses on immigration from resources such as the American Immigration Council.



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