Judge Orders Trump Administration to Return Second Deported Immigrant

A federal judge in Maryland has ordered the Trump administration to facilitate the return of a 20-year-old Venezuelan known as Cristian, who was deported to El Salvador in violation of a court-approved settlement protecting unaccompanied minors seeking asylum. The settlement, negotiated under the Biden administration, requires that these individuals remain in the U.S. while their asylum claims are adjudicated. Despite the Trump administration's argument that Cristian's designation as an 'alien enemy' justified his removal, the judge ruled this did not exempt him from settlement protections. The decision follows a similar order for the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, another deported individual whose case the government continues to contest. Judge Gallagher's ruling directs the administration to make a good faith effort with Salvadoran authorities to secure Cristian's release and return. The cases highlight ongoing legal battles over the Trump administration's use of the Alien Enemies Act and deportation practices despite court orders and settlement agreements.