A federal judge in Maryland has issued a significant ruling that mandates the Trump administration to facilitate the return of a 20-year-old Venezuelan asylum seeker, known as “Cristian,” who was unlawfully deported to El Salvador. This decision stems from a violation of a court settlement designed to protect young migrants with pending asylum claims. The order was released on Wednesday, highlighting ongoing tensions between the administration and the federal judiciary regarding immigration policies.
Cristian is part of a broader class action lawsuit filed in 2019, which sought to protect individuals who arrived in the United States as unaccompanied minors and later pursued asylum. The settlement of this case clearly stipulated that these individuals could not be removed from the United States until their asylum claims were fully adjudicated. US District Judge Stephanie Gallagher, nominated by President Donald Trump, emphasized this point in her recent ruling.
In her order, Judge Gallagher directed the Trump administration to collaborate with Salvadoran authorities to ensure Cristian's return to the United States. The judge labeled the deportation as a “breach of contract,” emphasizing that Cristian's removal contravened the protections outlined in the settlement agreement finalized in November 2024. Gallagher also prohibited the deportation of other individuals covered by the same agreement, further solidifying the court's stance on the matter.
Cristian was deported on March 15 and subsequently imprisoned in El Salvador. According to Cristian's attorneys, the judge's ruling marks a second instance where the Trump administration has been ordered to facilitate the return of an individual from El Salvador to the US, underscoring the judiciary's growing influence in immigration disputes.
Judge Gallagher cited the precedent set by the Kilmar Abrego Garcia case, where the government acknowledged it had wrongfully deported an individual. In her opinion, Gallagher stated, “This Court will order Defendants to facilitate Cristian’s return to the United States so that he can receive the process he was entitled to under the parties’ binding Settlement Agreement.” The judge directed the government to make a “good faith request” to El Salvador for Cristian's release into US custody, allowing him to await the adjudication of his asylum application.
The Trump administration contended that Cristian’s deportation did not breach the settlement, arguing that his designation as an “alien enemy” under the Alien Enemies Act (AEA) exempted him from the protections of the class action. The AEA, a law dating back to the 18th century, was invoked by the administration to deport alleged gang members, with Trump alleging that these individuals were involved in violent activities against the US.
The ruling raises significant questions regarding the Trump administration's compliance with judicial orders, particularly in light of the ongoing Abrego Garcia case. Despite judicial mandates requiring the administration to facilitate the return of wrongfully deported individuals, the Trump administration has resisted these directives, leading to accusations of intentional noncompliance.
In response to Cristian’s situation, Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland recently traveled to El Salvador to advocate for Cristian’s release. The Trump administration criticized the senator’s visit, accusing him and the media of presenting a biased narrative regarding Cristian’s deportation and character. This incident highlights the complex interplay between immigration policy, legal rulings, and political advocacy in the United States.
