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Trump Administration Takes Action Following Mistaken Deportation Case
The Trump administration has suspended a Justice Department lawyer for failing to firmly represent the government’s stance regarding the mistreatment of a Salvadoran man from Maryland who was mistakenly deported last month.
Attorney General Pam Bondi’s office placed Erez Reuveni, who had been advocating for the government’s position, on indefinite paid leave after a judge ordered the return of Maryland resident Kilmar Abrego Garcia to the United States by Monday.
At my request, every attorney in the Department of Justice must rigorously advocate for the interests of the United States, Bondi stated in a public comment. Any attorney who fails this directive will face appropriate consequences.
Fox News Digital has sought a response from the DOJ but has yet to receive a reply.
Understanding the Deportation Mistake
On Friday, Reuveni acknowledged that Garcia’s deportation was an error, according to reports. This acknowledgment comes amid ongoing legal proceedings that have raised questions about the due process followed in Garcia’s case.
On Saturday, the Trump administration filed an emergency appeal arguing that U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis lacks the authority to mandate Garcia’s return to the United States.
Xinis stated in her ruling that the government must arrange for Garcia to be back in the U.S. by midnight on Monday.
The emergency appeal seeks to prevent Xinis’ order from being enforced while allowing the government time to properly challenge the ruling.
Late Friday afternoon, a federal district judge ordered the United States to compel El Salvador to return one of its citizens, who is reportedly affiliated with the MS-13 gang, back to the U.S. The government’s emergency appeal argued that there is a compelling case for an immediate stay pending appeal.
The administration contends that it lacks control over Garcia now that he is in El Salvador and refers to the judge’s injunction as questionable.
Nevertheless, the government maintains its position that it cannot be expected to influence a foreign government’s actions within a limited timeframe.
Moreover, the appeal highlighted that Garcia is a known member of MS-13, described as a designated foreign terrorist organization, asserting he does not possess legal grounds to remain in the United States.
Legal Proceedings and Implications
On Friday, Judge Xinis noted that the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s decision to expel Garcia on March 15 violated the Administrative Procedures Act, as it occurred without a requisite judicial review.
Despite acknowledging the removal as an administrative failure, the Trump administration has defended its action based on allegations of Garcia’s gang affiliations.
This individual is an illegal alien who has transgressed our immigration laws, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated. As a leader within the MS-13 criminal organization, he is involved in human trafficking as well.
Leavitt further emphasized that foreign terrorists receive no legal protections within the United States, asserting the administration’s ongoing commitment to deporting such individuals.
Five years prior, an immigration judge denied Garcia the chance to be sent back to El Salvador due to fears he would be victimized by local gangs upon his return. While his asylum request was rejected, he was granted a temporary reprieve from deportation as ICE did not appeal the ruling.
Family Support and Community Response
Garcia’s wife, Jennifer Vasquez Sura, a U.S. citizen, has actively campaigned for her husband’s return. Finding himself uprooted has been a harrowing experience for their family, and the community has rallied in support of his cause.
Prior to his deportation, Garcia had been working as a sheet metal apprentice in Maryland. His arrest occurred on March 12 in an IKEA parking lot while he was with their five-year-old son.
His legal team argues that he possessed a valid Department of Homeland Security work permit and strongly rejects any allegations of gang affiliations, asserting that the government has failed to present sufficient evidence in support of its claims.
Despite these protests, there remains uncertainty regarding how the government will facilitate his return, now that he is detained in a prison in El Salvador.
Looking Ahead: What Happens Next?
The case raises significant questions about immigration enforcement practices and the treatment of individuals caught up in the system. It also underscores the importance of adhering to legal protocols when handling deportations.
As the administration navigates public scrutiny following this administrative error, the focus will remain on ensuring the rights of individuals are protected while balancing national security interests.
The outcome of the emergency appeal and subsequent legal proceedings may have lasting implications for similar cases in the future.
Fox News’ Cameron Arcand and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
