Dem
47
GOP
53
The apparent war between the Donald Trump-led executive branch and the judicial branch may be on the cusp of its denouement.
It is very clear that the administration is making no effort whatsoever to return Kilmar Abrego Garcia to the United States, despite orders from both Judge Paula Xinis and the Supreme Court that this needed to be done. Indeed, the ridiculous verbal gymnastics performed on Monday by Donald Trump ("Well, I can't bring him back, only Bukele can") and El Salvador president Náyib Bukele ("Well, I can't bring him back, only Trump can") are clearly intended to mock the judiciary.
Xinis is very unhappy over the lack of progress, over the lack of truthful information, and over the disrespectful attitude. So, she issued an order yesterday that requires an expedited investigation of the matter. By April 23 (i.e., within a week), four Trump administration officials (ICE officials Robert L. Cerna and Evan C. Katz, State Department official Michael G. Kozak, and Homeland Security's acting general counsel Joseph N. Mazzara) must submit to depositions. Xinis laid down a number of additional, specific requirements, and also made clear that if Trump administration officials continue to play games, they will be found in contempt of court.
Incidentally, just in case anyone is wondering why the Supreme Court is remaining silent thus far, it is because they made their wishy-washy decision, and then remanded the matter back to Xinis. So, this is Xinis' ballgame right now. If the Supremes do get involved again, it will be further down the road.
Anyhow, this isn't much news, but it is pretty big news, and news about a very important story. Now everyone gets to wait a week to see what happens next. (Z)