A federal judge on Long Island has expressed strong criticism of the Trump administration for its efforts to obscure the process of dropping charges against an MS-13 leader, emphasizing the need for public accountability and transparency in legal matters. The judge’s remarks come amid ongoing debates about the balance between national security and judicial oversight.
During a recent court hearing, the judge specifically called out the administration for its attempts to limit public access to the legal proceedings related to the case. This follows reports that the Trump administration sought to keep the matter out of the public eye, citing national security interests. The judge argued that such secrecy undermines the public’s right to know and can lead to potential abuses of power.
The case involves an MS-13 leader whose charges were reportedly dropped without public disclosure. The legal battle has drawn attention due to the gang’s significant presence in the U.S. and its ties to violent criminal activities. Critics argue that the administration’s actions could set a dangerous precedent for bypassing judicial scrutiny in high-profile cases.
President Trump had previously praised President Nayib Bukele of El Salvador for his hardline approach against MS-13, highlighting the administration’s interest in combating the gang. However, the judge’s criticism suggests that the administration’s methods in this particular case are being questioned on legal and ethical grounds.