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Tuesday, Apr 08, 2025
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Justice Department Attorney Placed on Leave Following Controversial Deportation Case
Erez Reuveni faces leave after failing to defend the administration's stance on the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, deemed unlawful by a US judge.
A federal attorney within the U.S. Department of Justice has been placed on administrative leave after allegations surfaced regarding inadequate defense of the Trump administration's actions in the deportation case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran immigrant.
This decision follows U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis's ruling, which asserted that Garcia, a lawful U.S. resident holding a work permit, must be returned to Maryland after his deportation was deemed unlawful.
The controversy surrounding Garcia's case emerged when he was deported to El Salvador despite a prior court order that prohibited such action.
Judge Xinis characterized the circumstances surrounding Garcia's deportation as "wholly lawless" and stated that there were no legal grounds for his detention or removal.
She emphasized that there was a lack of evidence connecting Garcia to any criminal activity in El Salvador, despite claims from the administration suggesting otherwise.
Following the judge's ruling, appeals from the administration are pending, with a decision expected imminently ahead of a deadline for Garcia's return.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced on a national television program that attorney Erez Reuveni was no longer involved in the case and had been placed on leave by Deputy U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche.
Reuveni had expressed concerns about the deportation process, noting the absence of satisfactory answers from federal officials regarding the administration's inability to facilitate Garcia's return.
His supervisor, August Flentje, who also oversees the Immigration Litigation section of the Justice Department's Civil Division, was reportedly placed on leave.
Both attorneys did not immediately respond to inquiries about the situation.
Despite the administration's claims of Garcia's alleged involvement with a criminal gang, no charges have been formally filed against him.
Garcia had been compliant with all immigration policies, which included regular check-ins with the authorities.
He was detained by immigration agents on March 12 and questioned about purported ties to the MS-13 gang, accusations he has consistently denied.
Upon his deportation, he ended up in a prison in El Salvador nicknamed Cecot, which is recognized as one of the most dangerous facilities in the region.
The Trump administration has faced increased scrutiny regarding its immigration policies and practices, particularly regarding deportations amidst ongoing litigation.
A separate case in Washington D.C. examines potential violations of court orders concerning the deportation of alleged Venezuelan gang members, prompting further debate over the administration's adherence to legal standards in deportation practices.
In the midst of these controversies, Bondi has affirmed the administration's commitment to maintaining its deportation policy, articulating a view that removing undocumented immigrants from the country is a priority.
This decision follows U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis's ruling, which asserted that Garcia, a lawful U.S. resident holding a work permit, must be returned to Maryland after his deportation was deemed unlawful.
The controversy surrounding Garcia's case emerged when he was deported to El Salvador despite a prior court order that prohibited such action.
Judge Xinis characterized the circumstances surrounding Garcia's deportation as "wholly lawless" and stated that there were no legal grounds for his detention or removal.
She emphasized that there was a lack of evidence connecting Garcia to any criminal activity in El Salvador, despite claims from the administration suggesting otherwise.
Following the judge's ruling, appeals from the administration are pending, with a decision expected imminently ahead of a deadline for Garcia's return.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced on a national television program that attorney Erez Reuveni was no longer involved in the case and had been placed on leave by Deputy U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche.
Reuveni had expressed concerns about the deportation process, noting the absence of satisfactory answers from federal officials regarding the administration's inability to facilitate Garcia's return.
His supervisor, August Flentje, who also oversees the Immigration Litigation section of the Justice Department's Civil Division, was reportedly placed on leave.
Both attorneys did not immediately respond to inquiries about the situation.
Despite the administration's claims of Garcia's alleged involvement with a criminal gang, no charges have been formally filed against him.
Garcia had been compliant with all immigration policies, which included regular check-ins with the authorities.
He was detained by immigration agents on March 12 and questioned about purported ties to the MS-13 gang, accusations he has consistently denied.
Upon his deportation, he ended up in a prison in El Salvador nicknamed Cecot, which is recognized as one of the most dangerous facilities in the region.
The Trump administration has faced increased scrutiny regarding its immigration policies and practices, particularly regarding deportations amidst ongoing litigation.
A separate case in Washington D.C. examines potential violations of court orders concerning the deportation of alleged Venezuelan gang members, prompting further debate over the administration's adherence to legal standards in deportation practices.
In the midst of these controversies, Bondi has affirmed the administration's commitment to maintaining its deportation policy, articulating a view that removing undocumented immigrants from the country is a priority.
