XINIS says she has serious concerns about the claim that DOJ pressured Abrego into a guilty plea by offering him deportation to Costa Rica — and threatening deportation to Uganda if he refused. DOJ's Drew Ensign says Abrego's deportation is not "imminent," given pace of 3rd-country removals.
XINIS emphasizes to Ensign: "Your clients are absolutely forbidden at this juncture to remove Mr. Abrego Garcia from the continental United States." ENSIGN: "Your honor, yes, we certainly understand that."
But… what if they’re lying
Ensign the muttered: “GFY.”
ABREGO's lawyer says his client is currently detained in Virginia. He wants Judge Xinis to order that Abrego be detained within 200 miles of her courthouse so he can be present for hearings.
I thought he was detained in Maryland.
I think he had been, but when ICE took him into custody today they transported him to VA. Presumably easier to get him to Uganda from there? No idea.
That might be the nearest ice detention center.
I think so. As long as it's at least 200 miles or nearer.
He was taken into custody in Maryland, but of course the bastards at ICE need to move him away from his family, his lawyers, & the court. 🙄
XINIS orders that Abrego not be moved from his detention facility in Virginia, in order to ensure he has access to counsel. Xinis asks Ensign if her oral order is enough — knowing Ensign has previously argued that only written orders count. Ensign says the oral order is fine(!)
Nuremberg 2.0 had better be in the near future
Don't take him at his word! Issue written orders from the bench immediately! Just like every voter in America will need to verify their voter registration status before election day to ensure they haven't been purged from the roster, judges, esp in this case, need to be overkill on process.
Love how every judge is just totally not willing to fight fascism at all.
I’m really confused what you think she should be doing here
Well probably order the immediate jailing for contempt of the head of ICE but in this very specific case probably issue a written order so they don't pretend the verbal order doesn't count in 3 days like they did last time.
@reichlinmelnick.bsky.social
Next court appearance DOJ will be whining that they ended up deporting Garcia because they didn’t receive a written order and that it was completely unreasonable to expect anyone to pick up the phone or send an email.
“not imminent” as in…it’ll happen if the TRO isn’t extended.