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Hakeem Jeffries Advocates for SCOTUS to Hold Trump Administration Accountable for Deported Salvadoran
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, a Democrat from New York, urged the Supreme Court on Tuesday to consider holding the Trump administration in contempt due to the deportation of Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia. Abrego Garcia is an undocumented migrant from El Salvador who previously resided in Maryland.
On Thursday, the Supreme Court upheld a lower court’s order aimed at facilitating the return of Abrego Garcia from a prison in El Salvador. This facility has recently housed hundreds of suspected criminals and gang members, raising significant concerns about the treatment of deported individuals.
Jeffries stated during a press conference that the Supreme Court has made it clear that Abrego Garcia’s deportation should not have occurred. He spoke at a press event related to the Democrats’ upcoming “Save Social Security Day of Action,” stressing the need to oppose proposed cuts to social security.
Supreme Court Ruling Highlights Legality of Deportation
The Supreme Court confirmed that Abrego Garcia was under a withholding order from 2019, which expressly prohibited his removal to El Salvador. The Court characterized his deportation as illegal and emphasized that the government must facilitate his release from custody in El Salvador, treating his case as if he had never been deported.
In 2019, an immigration judge had determined that Abrego Garcia did not adequately refute allegations of MS-13 gang affiliation, which led to his removal being sanctioned. This ruling has sparked intense debate regarding the implications of gang membership allegations for immigration status.
Criticism of the Trump Administration’s Decisions
Democrats, human rights advocates, and various left-leaning media outlets have criticized the Trump administration for its role in Abrego Garcia’s deportation. Initially, Trump officials admitted that the removal stemmed from an administrative error, further complicating matters. White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller defended the administration’s actions, stating that two courts confirmed Abrego Garcia’s MS-13 membership, justifying his deportation following Trump’s decision to label the gang a terrorist organization.
Miller’s statements indicate that because of this classification, Abrego Garcia became ineligible for immigration relief in the U.S. He asserted that Abrego Garcia possessed an outstanding deportation order, which meant he had no legal right to remain and had to be removed under the new guidelines.
Personal Ties and Advocacy Efforts
Abrego Garcia’s situation is further complicated by his familial ties. He is married to a U.S. citizen, and they are raising three children together. This aspect of his life adds urgency to the calls for his return.
Jeffries expressed his support for Senator Chris Van Hollen’s efforts to engage with El Salvadorian President Nayib Bukele, who is currently visiting the United States. Van Hollen’s mission is to advocate for the return of Abrego Garcia to his family in the U.S.
Engagement with El Salvadorian Leadership
President Bukele recently held discussions with Trump at the White House, centering significantly on immigration issues, which likely include Abrego Garcia’s case. Jeffries stated that President Trump should engage with Nadib Bukele to have a genuine conversation about the timeline for returning Abrego Garcia to his family in the U.S.
Van Hollen reinforced the sentiment of holding the Trump administration accountable, arguing that it is unjust and illegal for any longer delays in Abrego Garcia’s return from a notorious prison in El Salvador.
Calls for Legal Repercussions and Accountability
Van Hollen mentioned that families, accompanied by their lawyers, are advocating for the administration’s legal representatives to be held in contempt. He expressed that this is a justified measure considering the current circumstances. Both Van Hollen and Jeffries believe that the continued detention of a Maryland resident in a foreign prison undermines justice and disregards the courts, including the Supreme Court.
The plight of Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia is igniting discussions regarding the responsibilities of the Trump administration in immigration enforcement, especially concerning individuals facing dangerous conditions after deportation.
A Call for Justice
As the political climate heats up around immigration policies and their implications on families, the call for justice for Abrego Garcia becomes increasingly paramount. The focus on legal accountability within the context of Supreme Court rulings underlines the ongoing struggle for fairness in the immigration system.
Ultimately, the situation poses significant questions about the balance between national security concerns, legal immigration procedures, and the human rights of those at the center of these ongoing debates.
This story illuminates broader issues surrounding immigration policy and highlights the persistent challenges faced by individuals like Abrego Garcia. As advocates push for justice, the broader implications of this case will likely resonate throughout discussions on immigration reform and human rights in America.
Fox News’ Kerri Urbahn contributed to this report.
