DOJ Defies Court Order in Wrongful Deportation Case
Justice Department cites state secrets in Abrego Garcia deportation case
The Justice Department has reportedly failed to comply with a federal judge's order requiring explanation of the administration's actions in the case of Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, according to court documents filed Tuesday. Lawyers representing Abrego Garcia, a Maryland resident who was allegedly wrongfully deported to El Salvador last month, claim the government has produced "nothing of substance" in response to discovery requests. The case is being heard in Federal District Court in Maryland by Judge Paula Xinis.
Justice Department attorneys have repeatedly invoked state secrets privileges to avoid disclosing information about the administration's role in Abrego Garcia's deportation and subsequent efforts to secure his return. This legal maneuver allows the government to withhold information it claims could potentially harm national security if revealed in court proceedings. The attorneys representing Abrego Garcia have characterized the government's response as part of a "pattern of stonewalling."
KEY POINTS
- •DOJ cites state secrets privilege
- •Maryland man wrongfully deported
- •Judge ordered explanation of actions
In their Tuesday filing, Abrego Garcia's legal team requested Judge Xinis schedule an emergency hearing as early as Wednesday afternoon to address what they describe as the "government's failure to comply with this court's orders." The judge had previously ordered the administration to provide details about its efforts to seek Abrego Garcia's release and return to the United States following what his attorneys maintain was an improper deportation.
Continue reading this article on the TrueGov App
Plus access audio versions, original sources, and article customization