Jobaaj Stories
DOJ Puts Immigration Lawyers on Leave After Mistaken Deportation of Maryland Father
The Justice Department has placed two senior immigration attorneys on administrative leave after a Maryland father, Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, was mistakenly deported to El Salvador—despite a court order protecting him from removal.
One of the attorneys, Erez Reuveni, represented the government in court this week and struggled to answer key questions from a federal judge about how the deportation happened and what steps were being taken to correct it. His supervisor, August Flentje, was also placed on leave.
A Mistaken Deportation Sparks Outrage
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Abrego Garcia was deported last month, even though a judge had ordered that he not be removed from the U.S.
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He was flown to El Salvador and taken to CECOT, a high-security mega prison known for housing gang members and dangerous criminals.
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His wife identified him in a photo of detainees entering the prison.
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The government later admitted in court filings that his deportation was caused by an “administrative error.”
DOJ Attorney Couldn’t Explain the Government's Position
In court, Reuveni expressed his frustration at being unable to explain why the government hadn’t arranged for Abrego Garcia’s return.
He told the judge:
“The first thing I did when I got this case on my desk is ask my clients the same question.”
He added that he had not received a direct answer.
Reuveni also made it clear that the government’s legal position was “purely jurisdictional,” and acknowledged, “He should not have been sent to El Salvador.”
Attorney General Responds with Firm Action
Attorney General Pam Bondi criticized how the case was handled. In a statement to CNN, she said:
“At my direction, every Department of Justice attorney is required to zealously advocate on behalf of the United States. Any attorney who fails to abide by this direction will face consequences.”
She also referred to a memo she issued on her first day, requiring DOJ lawyers to strictly defend government positions—or face disciplinary actions, including termination.
Supervisors Also Held Accountable
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August Flentje, who has been with the DOJ for years and played a major role defending the Trump administration’s travel ban, was also suspended.
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According to reports, he was placed on leave for failing to supervise his subordinate properly.
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ABC News reported that Flentje was informed he hadn’t taken sufficient steps to ensure the case was handled correctly.
Legal Fight Continues Over Abrego Garcia's Return
A Maryland judge has ordered that Abrego Garcia must be returned by Monday night. However, on Saturday, the Trump administration filed an emergency motion to block that order.
The government says it cannot bring him back because he’s now in Salvadoran custody.
Abrego Garcia, who lawyers say escaped gang violence in El Salvador over ten years ago, was recognized by his wife in a photo showing detainees entering intake at CECOT, the country’s infamous mega prison.
