The U.S. Justice Department has asked a court to reinstate criminal charges against Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a man who was deported from the country by mistake, according to CBS News. Federal prosecutors filed the request to revive the human smuggling case, which had been dropped following his removal.
CBS News reports that the DOJ is seeking to bring back the charges against Abrego Garcia, who was sent to El Salvador earlier this year despite a court order blocking his deportation. The administration's legal move comes as Abrego Garcia remains outside the United States, with his case now caught between two separate legal battles.
According to Forbes, the DOJ's request specifically asks the court to reinstate the charges that were dismissed after the mistaken deportation. News Channel 5 Nashville notes that Abrego Garcia now faces dual legal proceedings: one over the criminal charges and another over his removal and potential return to the U.S.
The case stems from a human smuggling indictment that was pending when Abrego Garcia was deported in March. The government has argued that the charges should be restored even though he is no longer in the country, while his legal team has pushed for his return, citing the court order that prohibited his removal.
WPLN News reports that the Trump administration wants to restart the prosecution, a move that could complicate efforts to bring Abrego Garcia back to the United States. The court has not yet ruled on the DOJ's request.
What to watch next: The court's decision on whether to reinstate the charges, which could shape how the administration handles his return.
