Supporters rally for Kilmar Abrego Garcia during court hearing in deportation case
Supporters rallied Friday afternoon for Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the man whom the Trump administration admitted was deported to an El Salvador prison due to an administrative error.
Abrego Garcia is an El Salvador native who entered the U.S. illegally and lived in Maryland for 14 years. He was taken into custody by ICE in March and deported to a notorious Salvadoran prison, despite having a court order that should have prevented that action.
Friday's rally comes as Abrego Garcia's case continues to play out in federal court. A hearing scheduled for Friday afternoon addressed whether the government can keep certain details in the case secret.
Earlier this month, the Trump administration invoked state secrets privilege in order to withhold information from Abrego Garcia's attorneys. They, in turn, have accused the administration of stonewalling court orders to facilitate their client's return to the U.S.
During Friday's rally, supporters continued to push for the return of Abrego Garcia and called out the Trump administration for withholding information about his deportation and efforts to bring him back.
Plaintiffs representing Abrego Garcia said once again, they are simply seeking answers to three questions:
- Where is Kilmar Abrego Garcia right now?
- What has been done to facilitate his return?
- What plans are in place to facilitate his return?
But the government claims they are limited in what they can say, citing concerns over threats to national security and diplomatic relations.
"They have no proof..."
WJZ caught up with Ama Frimpong with CASA after the hearing, where she offered her thoughts on what happened inside.
"They have no proof. They're not explaining how and why those things should be considered privileged. So, the judge said basically, you're asking me to take your word for it, and that's not how this works," Frimpong explained.
Attorneys for the government said they have provided information to the plaintiffs to explain those answers, but they "want more".
However, Judge Xinis said, according to the affidavit she has received, there is not enough information provided to meet the threshold of the state secrets privilege.
She offered them an opportunity to supplement their affidavit and return at a later date, to which the plaintiffs remind the court, "a life is in the balance,"—adding Abrego Garcia is in danger each day he sits in an El Salvador prison.
"Do not tell us that he's alive, well, healthy, out of weight…let him talk to his family. Let him talk to his lawyers. Release him from prison and bring him home. That's what we're looking for, that's what justice looks like, and that's what we will continue fighting for," Frimpong demanded during the rally.
The court adjourned to the public at about 4:00 p.m. so the attorneys and judge could discuss some sealed information behind closed doors.
A decision is expected to be made early next week.
Kilmar Abrego Garcia's deportation legal battle
Abrego Garcia filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration in April, alleging that his deportation occurred without any legal proceedings.
The lawsuit sparked an ongoing legal battle that has led to conversations about the Trump administration's immigration policies and the right to due process under the U.S. Constitution.
After a federal judge ordered the administration to facilitate Abrego Garcia's return in April, the case was brought to the Supreme Court. In a 9-0 decision, the Supreme Court also ruled that the administration must facilitate the return of Abrego Garcia.
Support for due process in Abrego Garcia case
Several Maryland leaders have joined in calling for due process and the return of Abrego Garcia, including Gov. Wes Moore.
"Are we going to bring him back to make sure he stands trial and has a judge determine whether or not a law was broken, and if a law was broken, then make sure there is accountability?" Moore questioned last month. "I believe in due process, and I believe in the Constitution."
Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen has become a strong advocate for Abrego Garcia's rights under the Constitution, even going as far as to visit the deported man in El Salvador last month to check on his well-being.
Allegations of MS-13 affiliation
The senator accused the Salvadoran and U.S. governments of spreading misinformation about Abrego Garcia's case, including accusations that he is a member of MS-13.
The accusations have not been proven in court, and Abrego Garcia's family and attorneys have continued to deny any gang affiliation or criminal history.
"My response to them on the social media side or the misinformation is put up or shut up in court," Van Hollen said. "That's where people provide testimony under oath."
Where is Kilmar Abrego Garcia now?
Abrego Garcia is still in custody at a prison in El Salvador, however, he was moved from El Salvador's notorious Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT) to a lower security facility in mid-April before his visit with Van Hollen, according to court documents.
In the new facility, Abrego Garcia has his own room with a bed rather than a prison cell.
According to Van Hollen, Abrego Garcia is only being held because the U.S. government is paying El Salvador to keep him.
"...the Government of El Salvador is holding him solely at the request of your Administration and, specifically, because you are paying them to imprison him," Van Hollen said in a letter to President Trump.
According to Van Hollen, the Vice President of El Salvador Félix Ulloa, said the government would "act accordingly" once Abrego Garcia's case gets resolved in the U.S.
Meanwhile, Abrego Garcia's family and legal team continue to push for his release and return to the U.S.
