DeKalb GA News

In a series of developments regarding the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, an alleged MS-13 gang member, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt issued a daring statement towards a federal judge. This statement involved the deportation process and an ongoing legal battle linked to Abrego Garcia, who was deported to El Salvador despite a court order preventing his deportation as part of the Trump administration's policy.

Judge Paula Xinis, appointed during the Obama administration, had earlier ordered the return of Abrego Garcia to the United States. The order highlights a discord with the Trump administration’s deportation decisions. The Department of Justice, which did not align with the administration's defiance, filed an appeal to the Fourth Circuit Court, as confirmed by DOJ immigration attorney Erez Reuveni. Reuveni stated his frustration in a hearing, "I am also frustrated that I have no answer for you on a lot of these questions."

Adding to the statements made, Deputy White House Press Secretary Harrison Fields shared a comment from Leavitt, "We suggest the Judge contact President @nayibbukele because we are unaware of the judge having jurisdiction or authority over the country of El Salvador."

Given the refusal to return Abrego Garcia, Leavitt remained firm with the media stating, “The administration maintains the position that this individual was deported to El Salvador and will not be returning to our country and was a member of the brutal and vicious MS-13 gang.”

Further reinforcing the administration's stance, Homeland Security spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin confirmed on Fox News that Abrego Garcia was indeed a member of MS-13 involved in human trafficking.

Stephen Miller, the Deputy Chief of Staff, remarked on the judge's decision by stating, “Marxist judge now thinks she’s president of El Salvador.”

Politico reported Reuveni's courtroom assertions expressing his difficulty in getting responses from the administration regarding Abrego Garcia's return. The legal challenge emphasizes Abrego Garcia’s alleged gang affiliations, suspected by law enforcement since a 2019 informant report.

Despite these developments, Abrego Garcia's family insists on his innocence. His wife, Jennifer, recounted her experience to NBC Washington following his detention, emphasizing that he held a work permit and had not committed any wrongdoings. His lawyer, Lucia Curiel, backed his legal status of withholding removal due to potential persecution risk in El Salvador, although this did not exempt him from deportation under specific exceptions.

The case continues to stir discussions, highlighting tensions between judicial orders and immigration policies under the Trump administration.