Trump Administration Continues to Resist Orders to Return Maryland Man Mistakenly Deported to El Salvador
By BEN FINLEY
The Trump administration is facing backlash for failing to comply with a federal judge’s orders to provide information on efforts to bring back a Maryland man mistakenly deported to El Salvador. Despite the judge’s directive to produce sworn testimony and documents regarding the U.S. government’s actions to retrieve Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the administration has filed a sealed motion seeking a stay of the order.
U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis in Maryland criticized the administration for obstructing the legal process and acting in “bad faith” by refusing to provide the necessary information. The judge gave the administration until 6 p.m. Wednesday to comply, but the White House has requested a seven-day stay of her order, along with relief from providing daily status updates on Abrego Garcia’s situation.
Abrego Garcia, who had lived in the U.S. for 14 years and had been granted protection from deportation due to threats from local gangs in El Salvador, was mistakenly expelled by the Trump administration last month. Despite claims that he was a member of the MS-13 gang, Abrego Garcia was never charged with a crime and has denied the allegations.
The administration’s handling of deportation cases has faced criticism from federal judges, with some accusing officials of defying court orders and obstructing justice. The Supreme Court recently ordered the administration to facilitate Abrego Garcia’s return, rejecting claims that it was unable to retrieve him.
President Trump’s approach to deportation cases has sparked concern among Democrats and legal scholars, with some warning of a constitutional crisis. The administration’s disregard for court rulings has raised questions about its respect for the rule of law.
Associated Press writer Darlene Superville in Washington contributed to this report.
Originally Published: April 23, 2025 at 9:16 AM MDT
