A federal appeals court denied the Trump administration’s emergency request to block a judge’s order requiring the U.S. to facilitate the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran national with a violent criminal record and alleged MS-13 ties.

Deported to El Salvador last month, Garcia’s return was ordered by a district judge after a Supreme Court ruling. The Department of Justice’s attempt to overturn the ruling was rejected.

Judge Harvie Wilkinson criticized the government’s actions, warning against denying due process. Despite the order, Garcia remains in El Salvador unless released.

Trump adviser Stephen Miller argued the deportation was lawful and not mistaken, blaming misreporting and a former DOJ employee for confusion. He emphasized Garcia’s deportation was legitimate, in line with his final removal order from 2019.

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