Judge Orders Trump Administration to Comply in Garcia Deportation Case

A federal judge, Paula Xinis, has sharply rebuked the Trump administration for refusing to comply with court orders to provide detailed information about the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, an alleged MS-13 member, to El Salvador. The judge accused the administration of acting in 'bad faith' and obstructing the legal process by repeatedly invoking vague and unsubstantiated claims of privilege to avoid discovery. Despite being ordered by the Supreme Court to facilitate Abrego Garcia's return to the U.S., the administration has argued that such matters fall under diplomatic discussions and are protected by various privileges, which the judge rejected as insufficient without specific legal and factual support. Judge Xinis gave the administration a deadline to submit detailed justifications for any privilege claims or risk losing those protections. The legal dispute centers on whether the administration has taken appropriate steps to return Abrego Garcia and whether it can withhold information about its actions under claims of privilege. The case highlights broader tensions between the judiciary and executive branch over compliance with court orders in high-profile deportation cases.