5 Shocking Errors That Led to Maryland Man’s Wrongful Deportation: In a ruling that has sparked national outrage and diplomatic uncertainty, a federal judge has ordered the return of a Maryland man wrongly deported to El Salvador, calling the government’s actions not only mistaken but illegal, Maryland man deported in ‘error’.
Judge Declares Deportation of Maryland Man a Gross Misstep
U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis granted a preliminary injunction on Friday, April 4, 2025, requiring that the U.S. government facilitate the return of Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, who was deported to El Salvador on March 15 despite holding protected legal status. The court order demands his return by 11:59 p.m. on Monday, April 7.
“This was an illegal act,” Judge Xinis declared. “The defendants are hereby ordered to facilitate the return of plaintiff Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia to the United States.”
Government Admits Error, Blames ‘Administrative Mix-Up’
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conceded that Abrego Garcia should not have been deported. An ICE spokesperson called it an “administrative error,” but the consequences have been life-altering for the 29-year-old man who has lived in the U.S. since he was 16.
Despite being married to a U.S. citizen and having a young child, Abrego Garcia was detained and deported, landing him in El Salvador’s notorious CECOT mega-prison alongside over 200 alleged Venezuelan gang members.
No Legal Order for Deportation to El Salvador
Attorney Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg, who represents Abrego Garcia, emphasized during Friday’s hearing that his client was never ordered removed to El Salvador.
“There was no removal order as to El Salvador,” he said. “This was essentially the equivalent of a forcible expulsion.”
Judge Xinis reinforced this point, noting that Abrego Garcia’s deportation had no legal basis, and there was no criminal indictment against him.
Questionable $6 Million Deal with El Salvador Raises Concerns
At the center of the controversy is a suspected $6 million agreement between the U.S. and Salvadoran authorities, allegedly made during the Trump administration. This deal was purportedly intended to facilitate the housing of deportees in El Salvador’s prison system.
“It sounds a lot like a contract,” Xinis said. “We paid $6 million. I think I can draw a logical inference.”
Justice Department attorney Erez Reuveni denied the existence of a formal contract but could not provide documentation to refute the judge’s suspicions.
Wife of Maryland Man Pledges to Keep Fighting
Family Devastated by Deportation Error
Jennifer Varquez Sura, Abrego Garcia’s wife, expressed profound relief and determination after the court ruling.
“We will continue fighting for Kilmar, for my husband,” she said. “Thank you to everyone who supported us.”
The emotional toll has been severe. Their five-year-old child has been separated from his father for nearly a month.
Maryland man deported in ‘error’ now caught in legal battle
DOJ Pushes Back, Requests Emergency Stay
Not backing down, the Department of Justice filed an emergency motion on Saturday, April 5, seeking to block the return order. The DOJ argued that the U.S. cannot compel El Salvador to comply and criticized the federal court for demanding “breakneck foreign policy action.”
“Absent this Court’s immediate intervention… Defendants will be ordered to engage in breakneck foreign policy at the direction of a federal district court. That is untenable,” the DOJ stated.
The appellate court gave Abrego Garcia’s legal team until 2 p.m. Sunday to respond to the request for a stay.
No Evidence Linking Abrego Garcia to MS-13
Unsubstantiated Gang Allegations Surface
Government officials, including DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin, alleged that Abrego Garcia may be linked to human trafficking and gang activity. However, these claims have yet to be substantiated in a court of law.
“When someone is accused of membership in such a violent and predatory organization, it comes in the form of an indictment or a criminal proceeding,” Judge Xinis reminded.
Sandoval-Moshenberg clarified that an immigration judge had previously ruled that Abrego Garcia should not be sent back to El Salvador due to credible fear, despite accusations tied to MS-13 that were based on a single confidential informant in 2019.
Legal Experts Say Case Exposes Flaws in Deportation System
Immigration experts say the case underscores systemic failures within the DHS and ICE. Deportation decisions involving individuals with legal status must undergo meticulous scrutiny, especially when lives are at stake.
Legal scholars warn that similar cases may remain hidden due to lack of legal representation or fear of retaliation.
