DOJ Ignores Court Ordered Deadline for Plan to Return Wrongly Deported Man: 'Is Anyone Moving With Any Kind of Speed?'

Despite a unanimous US Supreme Court ruling ordering the Trump administration to return a Maryland resident wrongly deported to El Salvador, the Department of Justice failed to meet the court-mandated deadline to provide a plan for his return on Friday.

Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who has no criminal record, was deported in what the administration now calls an "administrative error." The DOJ has been ordered by the high court to "facilitate and effectuate" his release and return to the United States, but has not yet complied.

At a federal hearing Friday, US District Judge Paula Xinis expressed frustration as DOJ attorney Drew Ensign repeatedly refused to share updates about Abrego Garcia's whereabouts or the government's repatriation efforts.

"I'm not asking for state secrets," Xinis said, demanding to know whether any action was underway. "Is anyone moving with any kind of speed to get to the bottom of this so I can get an answer?"

DOJ lawyers had requested to delay the hearing until next week, claiming the Supreme Court's order required more time to review. Xinis denied the delay but granted a short extension, giving the government until 11:30 a.m. to file a written declaration outlining next steps.

"Defendants are unable to provide the information requested by the court on the impracticable deadline set by the court hours after the Supreme Court issued its order," the DOJ responded, refusing to meet the revised deadline.

The Trump administration's resistance to the order has drawn sharp rebukes from immigration advocates and legal experts. "This filing displayed a lawless government," said immigration attorney Eric Lee.

Compounding confusion, White House officials misrepresented the Supreme Court's ruling during a press briefing, claiming the justices only instructed them to "facilitate," not "effectuate," Abrego Garcia's return. In fact, the ruling included both directives.

The case has emerged as a flashpoint in a broader struggle between the Trump administration and the federal judiciary. Members of the administration have floated impeaching judges who block immigration-related actions ordered by the president. Meanwhile, critics warn that ignoring court orders could set a dangerous precedent.

Judge Xinis has ordered the DOJ to provide daily updates on efforts to bring Abrego Garcia home.