Supreme Court Issues Temporary Pause to Return Wrongly Deported Maryland Man

What Happened?

The Supreme Court temporarily paused a lower court's order Monday that imposed a midnight deadline to return a man mistakenly arrested and deported to El Salvador.

According to reports, Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia was sent to a Salvadoran supermax prison on March 15 despite a 2019 protective order that should have prevented his departure.

The higher court agreed to a request from President Donald Trump to give both sides more time to make their arguments surrounding the Mayland father before 11:59 p.m. Monday.

Chief Justice John Roberts granted the 'administrative stay' to extend the deadline until the court issues a more firm decision.

The order will remain in place 'pending further order of the undersigned or of the court.'

Roberts' order came hours after the Trump administration reportedly asked the Supreme Court to intervene in a legal battle over Abrego Garcia's removal last month.

The administration's attorneys claimed U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis' ruling 'sets the United States up for failure' because it cannot compel El Salvador to 'follow a federal judge's bidding.'

Why it Matters

Abrego Garcia’s case adds to the ongoing tensions amid the White House and its efforts to deport immigrants without a hearing or review.

According to previous reports, Trump's attorneys conceded in court filings that the administration mistakenly deported Abrego Garcia 'because of an administrative error.'

But said the U.S. could not bring him back due to him being in Salvadoran custody.

The Justice Department reportedly told the higher court that ordering officials to return Abrego Garcia was 'unprecedented' due to federal courts allegedly overstepping their power.

A federal court recently rejected Trump’s effort under the Alien Enemies Act to deport Venezuelan immigrants accused of gang ties.

Judge James Boasberg stated that attempts to vacate orders protecting the Venezuelans must receive hearings contesting the allegations before removal.

A group of Venezuelan men in immigration custody filed a lawsuit after being accused of affiliation with the Tren de Aragua gang.

Five of the Venezuelan immigrants had secured emergency relief just hours before the Trump administration said it would use the act, according to Boasberg’s order.

The White House denied allegations that it engaged in 'a blatant violation' and has called for various judges to be impeached for blocking his administration's policies.

How it Affects You

Abrego Garcia, who was reportedly in the country illegally, was withheld from being deported in 2019 after an immigration judge reviewed evidence.

The judge found he had been targeted and threatened with death because of his family’s pupusa business, according to CNN.

But the Trump administration claimed Abrego Garcia is a 'ranking member' of the MS-13 gang.

He and over 300 other men were deported under similar accusations as ICE agents aim to ramp up their efforts.

The Trump administration states these actions fall under the president's powers despite ongoing legal battles that challenge minimal due process.