A Maryland federal judge ordered the Trump administration to return a 20-year-old Venezuelan man wrongly deported to El Salvador, citing a breach of a 2024 settlement agreement protecting unaccompanied minors. This marks the second such order concerning deportations to El Salvador, following a similar case involving Kilmar Abrego Garcia. The administration argued the deportation was justified under the Alien Enemies Act, but the judge disagreed, deeming the matter a contractual dispute. The ruling also protects another Venezuelan man, Javier, from imminent deportation under the same agreement.
Read More
Brayan Rayo-Garzon, a Colombian migrant awaiting deportation, was found dead at the Phelps County Jail in Missouri on April 8th. His death occurred while he was in ICE custody following a March arrest for credit card fraud, and after an immigration judge ordered his removal in June 2024. While ICE reported notifying relevant authorities and next of kin, the agency’s handling of detainee deaths has faced significant criticism, with an independent investigation finding that a vast majority of deaths in ICE custody over a five-year period were potentially preventable due to inadequate medical care and flawed oversight. Currently, there is no evidence suggesting mistreatment contributed to Rayo-Garzon’s death.
Read More
Following the unlawful deportation of Abrego Garcia to El Salvador, the Supreme Court mandated his repatriation, an order echoed by U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis. Despite these rulings, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has failed to act, citing unsubstantiated claims of gang affiliation based on his tattoos. The DOJ’s response to subsequent inquiries was dismissive, refusing to answer questions and incorrectly identifying El Salvador while dismissing the court orders as a “false premise.” This inaction directly contradicts the Supreme Court’s directive to “facilitate” Abrego Garcia’s return to the United States.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker