Kilmar Abrego Garcia Returns to U.S. Amid Legal Turmoil
CNN — Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland resident mistakenly deported to El Salvador in March, has been returned to the U.S. to face federal charges, confirmed Attorney General Pam Bondi on Friday. A federal judge described the situation as a potential “incipient crisis” between the judiciary and the Trump administration, which has faced scrutiny over its handling of Abrego Garcia’s case.
Following an indictment in the Middle District of Tennessee, Abrego Garcia faces two criminal counts related to transporting undocumented immigrants for financial gain. The indictment claims he conspired with others to transport thousands of undocumented aliens, many allegedly affiliated with the notorious MS-13 gang. However, Abrego Garcia and his family deny any such association, asserting he fled gang violence in El Salvador.
The White House reportedly approved his return, with Bondi praising the Justice Department’s actions. Meanwhile, the push to prosecute Abrego Garcia has led to controversy within the Justice Department, culminating in the resignation of Ben Schrader, chief of the Nashville criminal division.
His attorney, Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg, criticized the administration for “playing games” with the legal system, emphasizing that Abrego Garcia should face immigration court, not criminal charges. Amidst bipartisan commentary, lawmakers like Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen celebrated Abrego Garcia’s return while expressing concerns about his deportation process, which they argued violated constitutional protections.
Abrego Garcia was returned following a Supreme Court mandate requiring the administration to “facilitate” his return without guaranteeing it. His fate remains uncertain, as the administration could still seek to deport him again, raising further questions about the due process appealed by advocates and legal experts alike.
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