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
Jacksonville Iceman to compete amid possible strike on the East Coast Hockey League

Jacksonville Iceman Set to Compete Despite Potential East Coast Hockey League Strike

The Professional Hockey Players’ Association (PHPA) is setting its sights on resolving…
JonBenet Ramsey's dad presses for new law in decades-long hunt for daughter’s killer

Breakthrough DNA Technology Poised to Unravel JonBenet Ramsey Mystery: Police Renew Investigation Efforts

Nearly three decades have passed since the tragic Christmas murder of JonBenet…
Aaron Rodgers gives his Steelers linemen $20K vehicles for Christmas

Aaron Rodgers Surprises Steelers Linemen with $20K Christmas Gifts

Aaron Rodgers surprised his offensive line with a unique holiday gift that…
Airport footage shows mother taking four abducted children to Europe

Surveillance Reveals Mother Escorting Four Abducted Children to Europe via Airport

A Utah mother has been spotted on airport security footage, serenely leading…
Times Square to feature patriotic ball drop for New Year's Eve, kicking off US's 250th birthday in NYC

Times Square to Host Patriotic Ball Drop for New Year’s Eve, Launching America’s 250th Anniversary Celebrations in NYC

NEW YORK — As New Year’s Eve descends upon New York City,…
Florida man kills wife, shoots stepdaughter and himself after argument

Tragic Florida Incident: Man Fatally Shoots Wife, Injures Stepdaughter, and Takes Own Life After Domestic Dispute

A family in Florida experienced unspeakable tragedy when an argument over a…
Chilling discovery after doctor's wife and two children are killed

Tragic Triple Homicide: Shocking Details Emerge in Doctor’s Family Murder Case

A disturbing revelation has surfaced amid the ongoing investigation into the tragic…
Bosses warn that job axe will swing for millions of heads in 2026

Employers Predict Significant Job Cuts Impacting Millions by 2026

Prepare for an increasing wave of automation as next year unfolds, with…