Mon Apr 07 02:52:31 UTC 2025: ## Judge Orders U.S. to Return Deportated Man After “Wholly Lawless” Action

**Hyattsville, MD – April 7, 2025** – A federal judge has ordered the U.S. government to repatriate Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran national mistakenly deported to El Salvador last month, citing a “wholly lawless” action by immigration officials. Judge Paula Xinis ruled on Sunday that the deportation violated a 2019 order barring Mr. Abrego Garcia’s removal to El Salvador due to potential persecution from local gangs.

The Justice Department’s claim that Mr. Abrego Garcia was affiliated with the MS-13 gang was deemed by Judge Xinis as “vague and uncorroborated.” She further criticized the government’s assertion that it lacked the authority to return him, stating that it is “eye-popping” that the government believes it can deport individuals to foreign prisons and then claim a lack of jurisdiction to bring them back.

Mr. Abrego Garcia, a 29-year-old sheet metal apprentice with a legal work permit and a U.S. citizen wife, was detained and deported despite never being charged or convicted of any crime. The White House has acknowledged the deportation as an “administrative error,” although it continues to allege ties to MS-13, claims denied by Mr. Abrego Garcia’s attorneys.

The case has also highlighted the internal conflict within the Justice Department. The judge’s ruling references comments by now-suspended Justice Department attorney Erez Reuveni, who admitted the deportation was a mistake. Attorney General Pam Bondi has defended the suspension, while Stacey Young, a former Justice Department lawyer, argues that attorneys are being forced to choose between obeying the president and upholding their ethical duties. The Justice Department has appealed Judge Xinis’ ruling.

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