Judge Paula Xinis of Maryland is set to hold government officials accountable for their failure to facilitate the return of a Salvadoran national wrongly deported under contentious circumstances.
**Judge Calls Out Inaction in Deportation Case of Salvadoran Man**

**Judge Calls Out Inaction in Deportation Case of Salvadoran Man**
A federal judge demands answers from the Trump administration regarding the wrongful deportation of Kilmar Ábrego García, urging immediate action.
The recently surfaced case of Kilmar Ábrego García, a Maryland resident who was erroneously deported to a high-security prison in El Salvador, has become a focal point for legal and political tensions. Federal Judge Paula Xinis has expressed frustration over the Trump administration's lack of action and has demanded proof of efforts to rectify the situation within two weeks.
During a recent court hearing, Judge Xinis emphasized, "Nothing has been done. Nothing," and indicated her expectation for complete compliance from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) authorities. She threatened to hold officials in contempt of court if they do not demonstrate good faith in addressing the issue.
Ábrego García, whose deportation has garnered international attention, was sent back despite a Supreme Court order requiring his return due to concerns over his safety in El Salvador, which officials acknowledge has high risks of gang violence. The 29-year-old's ties to alleged MS-13 gang affiliations are contested by his legal representatives, who assert that he has never faced any criminal charges.
As the case unfolds, the Trump administration’s response has been tepid. While government attorney Drew Ensign expressed willingness to assist in the return process, a DHS filing contradicts that approach, stating that if Ábrego García re-entered the U.S., he would face detention and possibly be deported again.
“We are stuck playing political games with my husband’s life,” lamented Jennifer Vasquez Sura, Ábrego García’s wife, during a rally advocating for his return. Protests outside the federal court in Maryland reflect the widespread concern over the legality of the deportation.
In March, the U.S. Supreme Court reviewed the deportation orders and highlighted the illegality of his removal, which was attributed to an "administrative error." However, the government has signaled its intent to appeal to the judiciary's limitations, framing the reentry issue as an overreach by the judiciary into executive powers.
Amid rising tensions, Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen plans a visit to El Salvador to advocate for Ábrego García’s welfare and push for his release. As this high-profile case continues to evolve, it serves as a significant example of the ongoing struggle over immigration policy and judicial authority in the United States.
During a recent court hearing, Judge Xinis emphasized, "Nothing has been done. Nothing," and indicated her expectation for complete compliance from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) authorities. She threatened to hold officials in contempt of court if they do not demonstrate good faith in addressing the issue.
Ábrego García, whose deportation has garnered international attention, was sent back despite a Supreme Court order requiring his return due to concerns over his safety in El Salvador, which officials acknowledge has high risks of gang violence. The 29-year-old's ties to alleged MS-13 gang affiliations are contested by his legal representatives, who assert that he has never faced any criminal charges.
As the case unfolds, the Trump administration’s response has been tepid. While government attorney Drew Ensign expressed willingness to assist in the return process, a DHS filing contradicts that approach, stating that if Ábrego García re-entered the U.S., he would face detention and possibly be deported again.
“We are stuck playing political games with my husband’s life,” lamented Jennifer Vasquez Sura, Ábrego García’s wife, during a rally advocating for his return. Protests outside the federal court in Maryland reflect the widespread concern over the legality of the deportation.
In March, the U.S. Supreme Court reviewed the deportation orders and highlighted the illegality of his removal, which was attributed to an "administrative error." However, the government has signaled its intent to appeal to the judiciary's limitations, framing the reentry issue as an overreach by the judiciary into executive powers.
Amid rising tensions, Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen plans a visit to El Salvador to advocate for Ábrego García’s welfare and push for his release. As this high-profile case continues to evolve, it serves as a significant example of the ongoing struggle over immigration policy and judicial authority in the United States.