The Supreme Court intervened on Monday evening to block the Trump administration’s claim of an unprecedented judicial power grab.
The court temporarily halted a federal judge’s order demanding the return of deported MS-13 gang member Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia from a high-security prison in El Salvador. Chief Justice John Roberts granted an emergency stay, giving the administration time to contest the ruling, which required Abrego Garcia to be brought back by midnight Monday.
Solicitor General D. John Sauer argued that U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis exceeded her authority by interfering with the president’s foreign policy powers. Abrego Garcia, a verified MS-13 member, had been deported by ICE. The Trump administration contended his protection from removal was invalid after MS-13 was designated a terrorist organization.
