Supreme Court rules Trump admin must bring Kilmar Abrego Garcia back to US
Share and Follow


() The Trump administration is working on the return of a Maryland man mistakenly sent to a Salvadoran prison, even if a federal judge in the case is expressing frustration at the pace, a U.S. State Department spokesperson said Friday.

The U.S. Supreme Court this week said the government must facilitate the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, whom the U.S. sent to El Salvador last month with dozens of alleged migrant gang members. On Friday, U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis pressed the Justice Department for a status report and received little information from government attorneys.

Appearing Friday on “Elizabeth Vargas Reports,” State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce signaled the White House is working on Abrego Garcia’s release, but maybe not on a schedule that pleases Judge Xinis. President Trump on Friday evening said he respects the Supreme Court and would follow the order.

“We’re addressing the Supreme Court ruling, we’re engaging with this. Right now, the judge has an issue with timing,” Bruce said. “But the Department of Justice knows what that ruling is and clearly is complying with her orders and answering her questions.”

Host Elizabeth Vargas noted the administration’s attorneys did not provide information. She asked Bruce why Trump simply cannot call Salvadoran president Nayib Bukele, whose country is being paid $6 million to incarcerate the deportees, to make the release happen. Bukele is expected to be in Washington on Monday to meet with Trump.

“The conversations will be wide-ranging, I’m sure. I can’t speak to them because I don’t know the details,” Bruce said.

Also Friday, Bruce said this weekend’s slated talks in Oman between the U.S. and Iran over Iran’s nuclear capabilities are a major step forward, even if Iran insists the talks are not direct, but rather with the help of a go-between.

And Bruce praised an immigration judge’s decision that the U.S. can continue deportation proceedings against former Columbia University student Mahmoud Khalil, a green card holder who is accused of supporting the terrorist organization Hamas.

“Every sovereign nation has a right to decide who’s going to come in and the standard of what allows you to stay in this nation,” Bruce said.

Khalil’s attorneys said they plan to keep fighting, and the judge gave them until April 23 to seek a waiver.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Episcopal bishop warns clergy to prepare for 'new era of martyrdom' after ICE shooting

Episcopal Bishop Urges Clergy to Brace for Potential Martyrdom in Wake of ICE Shooting

A bishop from New Hampshire is advising his clergy to prepare for…
Anti-ICE agitators occupy Minnesota Target store, demand retailer stop helping federal agents

Protesters Rally at Minnesota Target, Urge End to Store’s Collaboration with ICE Agents

In Minnesota, protesters opposing ICE took over a Target store on Monday,…
Curt Cignetti's climb to the top of college football with Indiana wasn't out of nowhere

Curt Cignetti’s Ascent with Indiana: A Calculated Rise in College Football

MIAMI — Before Curt Cignetti became a sensation in college football, before…
12-year-old boy saved mom's life after she lost consciousness while behind the wheel with foot still on gas

Heroic 12-Year-Old Saves Mother’s Life in Dramatic On-the-Road Rescue

A 12-year-old boy from England has been recognized for his heroic actions…
Arctic storm triggers 100-car pileup in Michigan

Arctic Storm Leads to Massive 100-Vehicle Collision in Michigan

A formidable Arctic storm has unleashed chaos, culminating in a massive 100-vehicle…
The American airport where tourists are welcomed by homeless people

Welcome to America: The Unexpected Greeters at This Iconic Airport

Visitors landing in the bustling city of New York are often met…
Minnesota National Guard 'on standby' ahead of weekend protests

DOJ Pledges Legal Action Following Activists’ Disruption at Minnesota Church Led by ICE Official Pastor

A video capturing a protest at Cities Church in St. Paul reveals…
Kristi Yamaguchi reflects on 1992 gold as she looks ahead to Milan Cortina

Kristi Yamaguchi Remembers 1992 Gold Triumph While Eyeing Future at Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics

Renowned figure skating legend Kristi Yamaguchi shares her Olympic experiences and insights…