In a remarkable concession, Justice Department lawyers told a federal judge they move deport Abrego Garcia to a third country later this month. This admission came during a high-profile hearing presided over by U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis, who has been closely monitoring the case since March. The hearing revealed the Trump administration’s plan to begin removal proceedings for Salvadorian migrant Kilmar Abrego Garcia by as early as July 16, just nine days from the day of the hearing.
Xinis, an Obama appointee, described the situation as akin to trying to nail Jell-O to a wall, highlighting the difficulty in securing clear answers from the government. She repeatedly questioned how officials could pursue immediate deportation while simultaneously mounting a federal criminal case against Abrego Garcia. The judge’s frustration was evident as she pressed the Justice Department attorneys to provide more clarity on the timeline and logistics of the deportation.
During the hearing, attorneys for the Trump administration ultimately conceded that Abrego Garcia could be removed from the U.S. as early as July 16. This admission capped a day of intense legal scrutiny, with Xinis emphasizing the need for transparency. The judge ordered the Trump administration to produce a government official to testify under oath on Thursday about the deportation plans, ensuring that the government’s intentions are fully documented and understood.
Additionally, Xinis rejected two of the government’s motions to dismiss the civil case, calling the Trump administration’s previous claims that it had no