Mindful of the flagrancy of the government’s due-process violations, the Court refuses to let deportees languish in a solution-less mire. The government is required to return any remaining passports and identification documents, or make good faith efforts to obtain them if transferred. Furthermore, the administration must cover air travel costs for any deportee sent to a third country who wishes to return to the U.S. This ruling comes after nearly a year of legal battles concerning Venezuelans sent to the CECOT prison, including the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was eventually returned to the U.S.
Read More
An Inspector General report revealed that the Trump Justice Department secretly obtained phone and text records from 43 congressional staffers and two members of Congress during leak investigations, exceeding previously reported scope. While the DOJ claimed no political motivation, the report criticizes the department’s disregard for separation of powers by targeting individuals solely due to their lawful access to classified information. The investigation also uncovered violations of DOJ policy regarding the secret acquisition of reporters’ records from major news outlets, including a failure to consult the appropriate review committee. These actions, which did not lead to charges, raise concerns about potential chilling effects on congressional oversight and the erosion of checks and balances.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker