Appeals court affirms due process for Kilmar Abrego Garcia amid deportation chaos

In March 2025, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit decided on the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, an illegal immigrant from El Salvador who was deported to a Salvadoran mega-prison despite a prior court order prohibiting such action due to fears of persecution. Abrego Garcia, described in court documents as having a violent criminal record and alleged ties to the MS-13 gang, had the opportunity to appeal his wrongful deportation. The Trump administration sought to block a federal judge's ruling requiring the government to facilitate his return to the U.S., claiming national security concerns related to his gang affiliation and criminal history. The appeals court, however, rejected the government's request, emphasizing that even individuals with criminal backgrounds are entitled to due process under U.S. law. Judge Harvie Wilkinson, who was part of the three-judge panel, criticized the administration's actions, arguing that it undermined the constitutional protections that should be afforded to residents, regardless of their immigration status. The judges expressed concern that allowing the government to detain and deport individuals arbitrarily would set a dangerous precedent, leading to further erosion of legal rights. The case reflects deeper issues surrounding immigration policy and the treatment of individuals who are in the U.S. illegally. While the Trump administration maintained that Abrego Garcia posed a risk to public safety, the court's ruling highlighted that the lack of due process could impact not only illegal immigrants but could also set a precedent that endangers the rights of all individuals facing deportation or removal. This decision follows a Supreme Court mandate calling for a review of Abrego Garcia's case, indicative of the ongoing conflicts between the judicial and executive branches regarding immigration enforcement. As Abrego Garcia remains detained in El Salvador, the ruling has broader implications for the policies surrounding deportation and the rights of immigrants in the U.S. The court emphasized that the administration's stance could lead to a public perception of lawlessness, ultimately undermining trust in the legal system. The judges reiterated that if the executive branch can ignore due process in this situation, it raises questions about the treatment of citizens and lawful residents in future proceedings. This ongoing legal battle is emblematic of the contentious immigration debates that have characterized U.S. politics in recent years, whether regarding individuals with criminal backgrounds or those seeking refuge from persecution.