Chicago – April 11, 2025
A federal judge in Maryland is urging the U.S. government to take all necessary actions to help return a Maryland man who was mistakenly deported to El Salvador.
Following a Supreme Court decision that mostly upheld her initial ruling to bring Kilmar Abrego Garcia back to the U.S., Judge Paula Xinis issued a new order. She directed the federal government to “take all available steps” to ensure his prompt return and demanded that the Justice Department immediately report his current location, what efforts have been made so far, and what further steps are planned.
In response, the Trump administration requested more time, stating it needs to properly review the Supreme Court’s decision before outlining its next moves. Justice Department lawyers argued that foreign affairs involve sensitive matters not suited to strict court deadlines or judicial oversight.
Judge Xinis denied the government’s request to delay a scheduled status conference on Friday afternoon.
Abrego Garcia’s case has sparked a legal battle between the courts and the White House. Though the administration admitted his deportation was an error, it maintains he cannot be returned to the U.S. The case also highlights broader tensions over how swiftly the administration can deport individuals it deems a threat to public safety.
On Thursday, the Supreme Court ordered the Trump administration to help secure Abrego Garcia’s release from custody in El Salvador and to be ready to report on its actions and possible next steps delivering a rare legal victory for critics of the administration’s immigration policies.
