The attorneys representing Kilmar Abrego Garcia are turning up the heat on the Trump Administration, demanding compliance with a Supreme Court order to release the MS-13 gang member from CECOT prison. In a recent court submission, these attorneys emphasize that the administration should not only request his release but also assist in facilitating his return from El Salvador.
The legal team noted, “There is no evidence that anyone has requested the release of Abrego Garcia.” They insisted that to truly honor the Supreme Court’s directive, the Government must at least initiate a formal request for his release. As of now, no such action has been taken.
Meanwhile, the Trump Department of Justice (DOJ) is dissecting the term ‘facilitate’ in the context of immigration proceedings, crafting a response to the Supreme Court’s mandate.
In an unexpected twist, the Trump DOJ took a playful jab at Judge Paula Xinis, an Obama-era appointee, in a Monday court filing concerning Garcia’s case. Judge Xinis had previously expressed dissatisfaction with the Trump Administration during a hearing, demanding “daily updates” on Garcia’s status and location.
However, the DOJ’s Monday filing sidestepped Judge Xinis’ inquiries regarding Garcia’s whereabouts, instead referencing comments made by El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele during a meeting at the Oval Office.
President Bukele, in a bold stance, declared his refusal to return Kilmar Abrego Garcia to U.S. soil, despite the demands resulting from an order by an Obama-appointed judge. When questioned by CNN’s Kaitlan Collins about his intentions following the judge’s order, Bukele curtly replied, “How can I smuggle a terrorist into the United States? Of course I’m not going to do it. The question is preposterous.”
President Trump and President Bukele both made clear in the Oval Office today that they do not intend to return Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia to the U.S. following the Supreme Court’s ruling. “How can I smuggle a terrorist into the United States? Of course I’m not going to do it.… pic.twitter.com/FZbvEySzmk“
— Kaitlan Collins (@kaitlancollins)
April 14, 2025
