A federal court battle unfolds as an alleged MS-13 gang leader faces deportation complications following his removal to El Salvador.
According to Breitbart, U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis issued a preliminary injunction demanding the Trump administration return Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia to the United States by Monday, April 7, 2025, at 11:59 p.m.
The Obama-appointed judge's decision comes after Garcia, who entered the U.S. illegally in 2011, was deported to El Salvador despite a 2019 judicial ruling that specifically prohibited his deportation to that country. The Trump administration attributed the deportation to an "administrative error" and "oversight."
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt strongly contested media portrayals of Garcia as a "Maryland father with protected status." She revealed intelligence suggesting his involvement in human trafficking operations.
Department of Homeland Security spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin reinforced the administration's stance on Garcia's background. She emphasized the need for American citizens to understand his true identity beyond media representations.
The administration provided evidence indicating Garcia held a leadership position within MS-13, a group President Trump has designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. This revelation adds complexity to the ongoing legal proceedings.
Judge Xinis delivered her ruling with precise language to prevent any misinterpretation. During the hearing, she stated:
I am going to grant the motion for preliminary injunction I've reviewed, and I'll read this word for word, so that there is no dispute that the oral order is the written order
The case has drawn attention from immigration advocacy groups and government officials. CASA, an immigrant rights organization, organized a rally supporting Garcia's return where his wife Jennifer addressed supporters.
The deportation has sparked renewed discussions about immigration enforcement procedures and judicial oversight. The incident raises questions about the coordination between immigration authorities and judicial directives.
The Trump administration's acknowledgment of an administrative error has prompted internal reviews of deportation procedures. Officials are examining how the 2019 judicial order was overlooked during Garcia's removal.
Jennifer Garcia's emotional plea at the CASA rally highlighted the personal impact of the deportation. She expressed:
Thank you to everyone that has helped us and supported us in fighting this. We will continue fighting this. The first thing I am going to do when I see him is give him a big hug
The case has attracted significant media attention, with various outlets presenting contrasting narratives about Garcia's background and status in the United States.
Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia's deportation case has evolved into a complex legal matter involving multiple government agencies and conflicting narratives. The Trump administration maintains he is a high-ranking MS-13 gang member involved in human trafficking, while advocacy groups portray him as a family man with protected status. Following Judge Paula Xinis's ruling, the government must facilitate Garcia's return from El Salvador by Monday night, setting the stage for further legal proceedings and continued debate over immigration enforcement practices.