Maryland judge to hear Salvadorian migrant’s case against Trump officials
Justice Department lawyers and attorneys for Salvadoran migrant Kilmar Abrego Garcia are set to appear in court on Monday for a pivotal hearing in a closely watched legal battle that has become a flashpoint in President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown. The hearing, scheduled before U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis in Maryland, will address a series of motions filed by both parties, including the government’s motion to dismiss the civil case altogether.
The case stems from Abrego Garcia’s wrongful deportation to El Salvador in March, in violation of a court order. His family immediately sued the Trump administration over his removal, leading Xinis to order his return to the U.S. in June. However, upon his return, Abrego Garcia was taken into custody in Tennessee on federal charges related to a 2022 traffic stop.
The hearing on Monday will focus on the government’s motion to dismiss the civil case and the plaintiffs’ request to transfer Abrego Garcia’s custody to Maryland. His lawyers have also asked for an order to prevent his removal from the U.S. without prior notification, citing concerns that he could be sent to a third country where he may face persecution or torture.
Adding to the complexity of the case are new allegations made by Abrego Garcia, claiming he was severely beaten and psychologically tortured in a maximum-security prison in El Salvador. These allegations, along with the separate criminal case in Tennessee, present unique challenges for the court to navigate.
Xinis has previously expressed frustration with the Trump administration’s lack of cooperation and compliance with court orders. In previous hearings, she criticized the government for its lack of candor and compliance with discovery processes, suggesting she could pursue contempt proceedings against the administration.
As the legal battle continues to unfold, the outcome of Monday’s hearing could have far-reaching implications for Abrego Garcia and the broader immigration debate in the U.S. Stay tuned for updates as the case develops.
