Judge Orders Return of Wrongfully Deported Migrant

A federal judge appointed by Donald Trump has mandated the Biden administration to actively work to return a second migrant improperly deported to El Salvador. U.S. District Judge Stephanie Gallagher, based in Maryland, determined the deportation of the 20-year-old man violated a legally binding settlement reached last year, as reported by Politico.

The settlement explicitly prohibited the deportation of migrants who arrived in the United States as unaccompanied minors until their asylum claims were fully processed. This ruling underscores a critical point: adherence to legal agreements, even – and perhaps especially – regarding vulnerable populations seeking refuge, is paramount. The administration’s failure to comply with the court-approved settlement raises serious questions about its commitment to due process and international humanitarian obligations.

Court documents identify the individual as “Christian,” noting he entered the U.S. as an unaccompanied minor in December 2022 and immediately sought asylum. That claim remained unresolved when he was deported last month. This case, along with the previous instance prompting a similar order, highlights potential systemic issues within the deportation process and the need for rigorous oversight to ensure compliance with legal protections for asylum seekers. The situation is particularly concerning given the dangers faced by individuals returned to El Salvador, a country grappling with significant violence and instability.