The Trump administration’s erroneous deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia to El Salvador in March has sparked a legal battle as his family seeks his return to the United States. Despite court orders to facilitate his return, the Justice Department has faced criticism for withholding information on its efforts in compliance with the rulings.

U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis expressed frustration with the administration’s lack of transparency during a hearing, noting the government’s reluctance to provide details on Abrego Garcia’s case. Attorney Jonathan David Guynn argued that revealing more information could compromise national security interests, citing concerns about exposing state secrets.

Abrego Garcia, a 29-year-old father of three and a union sheet metal worker, has been detained in El Salvador despite court orders demanding his return. The administration’s claim that he is a member of the MS-13 gang is disputed by Abrego Garcia and his legal team. The Supreme Court’s unanimous decision emphasized the government’s obligation to initiate his release process.

The case has been marked by sealed documents and the government’s repeated use of privileges to withhold information, despite public statements from high-ranking officials like Marco Rubio, Kristi Noem, and Donald Trump regarding the situation. Abrego Garcia’s attorneys have criticized the government for prioritizing secrecy over transparency in the legal proceedings.

The ongoing legal battle underscores the broader implications for constitutional rights and government accountability, with advocates calling for adherence to court orders and a swift resolution to bring Abrego Garcia back to his family in Maryland.