Salvadoran Immigrant Seeks Gag Order Against Trump Officials Amid Human Smuggling Trial

Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran immigrant facing federal human smuggling charges, has requested a gag order to prevent Attorney General Pam Bondi and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem from making public statements about him that could jeopardize his right to a fair trial. His legal team argues that these officials, along with President Donald Trump and other administration allies, have publicly disparaged Abrego Garcia, misrepresented evidence, and portrayed him as guilty, despite his denials of any gang affiliation or wrongdoing. The case gained national attention after Abrego Garcia was wrongfully deported to El Salvador in defiance of a federal court order, leading to legal battles and his eventual return to the U.S. The Trump administration alleges he is connected to the MS-13 gang and has sought to deport him to Uganda, a country with which he has no ties. Abrego Garcia’s lawyers contend the charges are politically motivated retaliation for his challenge to the administration’s immigration policies. A federal judge has been urged to intervene to protect the defendant’s constitutional rights and ensure the integrity of the trial amid intense political and public scrutiny.