The Trump administration has sparked controversy by ignoring a court order seeking information on Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a father from Maryland who is currently imprisoned in El Salvador. Garcia has been held for nearly a month due to what has been characterized as an “administrative error” that resulted in his deportation to a notoriously brutal prison. During a recent federal court hearing, government attorneys failed to provide answers regarding the steps being taken to secure Garcia’s return, which a Supreme Court ruling labeled as illegal.

The Justice Department's lawyers described it as “impractical” to respond to the judge following a Supreme Court ruling that mandated action to facilitate Garcia's return. Judge Paula Xinis expressed her disbelief at their request for additional time and criticized them for ignoring the urgency of the situation, asserting that the government's initial deportation act was illegal. Despite granting a two-hour extension for a response, the Justice Department attorneys ultimately failed to meet even that deadline, citing a lack of time to assess the Supreme Court's ruling.

This situation has further fueled fears among legal scholars regarding a constitutional crisis emerging from the administration's ongoing defiance of judicial authority. The judge ordered daily updates on Garcia's situation, insisting that the administration has a responsibility to follow through on the Supreme Court's order to expedite his return. As the case unfolds, it underscores the tension between the executive branch and the judiciary, particularly concerning immigration issues and the broader implications of the administration's actions.