After a Maryland man was wrongfully deported, a lawyer was suspended.
After acknowledging in court that Maryland resident Kilmar Abrego Garcia was unintentionally deported to El Salvador, despite a 2019 immigration decision that shielded him from deportation, the U.S. Justice Department suspended the government lawyer.
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Judge Demands Return, DOJ Rejects
The deportation was deemed unlawful by U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis, who also mandated that the government "assist and effectuate" Abrego Garcia's return by Monday. However, the DOJ challenged the ruling, arguing that the Executive Branch cannot be forced to negotiate with foreign governments by the courts.
The victim had U.S. ties and legal status.
In 2011, 29-year-old Abrego Garcia left El Salvador after receiving threats from gangs. He was pursuing his journeyman certification, had a U.S. citizen wife, and legal work permits. He was detained and taken to a hazardous Salvadoran prison even though he was legally permitted to remain in the United States.
DOJ Acknowledges Mistake, Suspends Attorney
Erez Reuveni, a DOJ attorney, acknowledged during a court hearing on Friday that Abrego Garcia's deportation lacked a valid reason. The next day, he was put on administrative leave. The DOJ's appeal filing did not include his name.
Disputed Gang Allegations
Abrego Garcia's attorneys claim there is no proof of gang involvement, despite the White House designating him as an MS-13 member. They further accuse the administration of attempting to defend its error after the fact.
Case Brings Up Ethical and Legal Issues
Concerns over the government's handling of immigration issues, the constitutional boundaries of judicial power,and the toll that administrative mistakes take on people.
