In a federal district court in Maryland, a judge criticized the Trump administration for failing to comply with a US Supreme Court ruling to facilitate the return of Kilmar Ábrego García, wrongly deported to El Salvador. Judge Paula Xinis rebuked officials for not taking any steps to secure Ábrego García’s release, despite the court order. The administration’s argument that it was powerless to bring him back was dismissed by the judge, who demanded concrete actions be taken. The administration’s narrow interpretation of the Supreme Court order was challenged, with the judge emphasizing the need for officials to secure Ábrego García’s release.

The judge set an expedited timeline for the administration to provide details under oath about their efforts to return Ábrego García to the US. The administration’s lead lawyer argued that they had addressed the issue at the “highest levels,” referencing a conversation between President Trump and El Salvador’s president. However, the judge was unimpressed by this argument, emphasizing the need for factual evidence of compliance.

Ábrego García’s lawyer hailed the court hearing as a step forward but noted that their ultimate goal of bringing him back to the US had not yet been achieved. The lawyer accused the administration of acting in bad faith by not rectifying the wrongful deportation as ordered by the Supreme Court. The judge instructed the administration to cancel any upcoming commitments and prepare for questioning regarding their actions in the case.