A senior immigration lawyer from the Justice Department has been placed on indefinite leave following his public questioning of the Trump administration’s decision to deport a Maryland man to El Salvador. This development comes just one day after the lawyer, Erez Reuveni, represented the government in court.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche confirmed the suspension of Erez Reuveni, who serves as the acting deputy director of the department’s immigration litigation division. The suspension was due to Mr. Reuveni's failure to “follow a directive from your superiors,” as outlined in a letter obtained by The New York Times.
Reuveni, who recently received praise from his superiors as a “top-notch” prosecutor in an email announcing his promotion just two weeks prior, is the latest career official affected by the administration's directives. His suspension reflects a broader trend where officials have faced consequences for resisting orders from President Trump’s appointees that they believe to be improper or unethical.
In a statement sent to The New York Times on Saturday, Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasized the importance of advocacy within the Justice Department. “At my direction, every Department of Justice attorney is required to zealously advocate on behalf of the United States,” she stated. “Any attorney who fails to abide by this direction will face consequences.” This statement underscores the administration's commitment to strict adherence to its directives among its legal staff.
During a recent court session, Mr. Reuveni acknowledged that the deportation of Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, which occurred last month, should not have taken place. Garcia had a valid court order allowing him to remain in the United States, highlighting a significant flaw in the deportation process. Reuveni expressed his frustration over the case when it was assigned to him and even requested a 24-hour extension to persuade the Trump administration to initiate the process of retrieving and repatriating Garcia.
This incident raises questions about the immigration policies and practices of the Trump administration, particularly concerning the treatment of individuals who have legal standing to remain in the country. As more details emerge, the implications of this suspension and the broader impact on the Justice Department's immigration division remain to be seen.
