Federal judge erupts at Trump administration in migrant deportation hearing

U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis did not hold back in a recent status hearing that focused on Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran migrant and alleged MS-13 member who was mistakenly deported from Maryland to El Salvador in March due to an administrative error by the Trump administration. The hearing was filled with intense exchanges between the judge and Justice Department lawyers, as Xinis expressed her disbelief and frustration with their attempts to invoke the state secrets privilege to withhold information about Abrego Garcia from the court.

Xinis repeatedly challenged the DOJ lawyers’ assertions that Abrego Garcia’s detention and deportation were lawful, pointing out that there was no order of removal or warrant for his deportation. She expressed her astonishment at the government’s attempts to gloss over these facts and questioned the legality of their actions. Despite the government’s claims, Xinis firmly stated that Abrego Garcia was removed from the U.S. without lawful authority.

The judge also criticized the government’s lack of evidence and disclosures, pointing out the numerous gaps in their arguments and the evasive responses provided during depositions. She called out the government for trying to invoke the state secrets privilege without providing a sufficient affidavit to support their claim, emphasizing that Abrego Garcia’s removal was unlawful and cannot be revised.

Throughout the hearing, Xinis remained resolute in her commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that justice is served. She emphasized the importance of following proper procedures and respecting the rights of individuals, especially in cases where a person’s life is at stake. Despite the government’s attempts to delay the case, Xinis made it clear that she would not allow the unlawful removal of Abrego Garcia to go unaddressed.

In the end, Xinis granted the government additional time to file additional declarations in support of their claim for the state secrets privilege. However, she reiterated that the unlawful removal of Abrego Garcia was a clear violation of the law and must be rectified. As the case continues to unfold, Xinis remains committed to holding the government accountable for their actions and ensuring that justice is served for Abrego Garcia and others like him.