An ultra-liberal federal judge has now reportedly intervened in the deportation of a Venezuelan national, identified only as Cristian, who was removed to El Salvador by the Trump administration.
U.S. District Court Judge Stephanie Gallagher ruled that Cristian’s deportation violated a previous court settlement regarding asylum cases.
She emphasized that the settlement, approved in November, mandates that individuals with pending asylum applications must have their cases heard before any deportation occurs.
Gallagher pointed out that allowing the removal of individuals like Cristian would undermine the settlement’s purpose, stating, “A core purpose of the Settlement Agreement would be nullified if Class Members with pending asylum applications could be summarily removed.”
The Trump administration, however, contends that Cristian was ineligible for asylum under the 1798 Alien Enemies Act, which they invoked to justify his deportation.
This ruling adds to a broader legal struggle between the Trump administration and the courts concerning the removal of undocumented immigrants.
Judge James Boasberg has also challenged the administration’s use of the Alien Enemies Act, threatening to hold it in contempt for rapidly deporting over 250 suspected gang members.
The situation is further complicated by Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele’s refusal to accept the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, another alleged gang member previously ordered back to the U.S. Bukele stated, “How can I smuggle a terrorist into the United States?” emphasizing his commitment to maintaining safety in El Salvador.
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