A federal judge in Maryland is demanding the Trump administration explain its position that diplomatic discussions with El Salvador are required to return a Venezuelan detainee. The detainee, Cristian, was sent to El Salvador’s CECOT mega-prison after President Donald Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act, violating a previous court settlement.
Judge Stephanie Gallagher says the government has failed to comply with her order to facilitate Cristian’s return. She argues that if El Salvador officials are telling the truth about migrant responsibility, diplomatic discussions should not be necessary. The judge is referencing a similar case where wrongly deported migrant Kilmar Abrego Garcia was brought back to the US to face charges.
The administration claims that the migrants sent to CECOT are under El Salvador’s authority, but this contradicts El Salvador officials’ statements to the UN. Judge Gallagher wants to know why the administration is not bringing Cristian back and is seeking clarification on their position.
Source: https://abcnews.go.com/US/judge-presses-administration-el-salvadors-claim-cecot-detainees/story?id=123586361