The Justice Department has taken the significant step of suspending a veteran lawyer, Erez Reuveni, after he publicly acknowledged in court that officials mistakenly deported a man to a prison in his home country of El Salvador. This suspension, which has placed Reuveni on indefinite leave, comes after he conceded that he was unaware of the legal basis for the deportation during a federal court hearing.
Erez Reuveni, who has dedicated nearly 15 years of service to the Justice Department, most recently held the position of acting deputy director of the Office of Immigration Litigation (OIL). His experience and tenure at the department had established him as a significant figure within the realm of immigration law. However, his recent court statements have sparked controversy and raised questions about the department's deportation practices.
During a hearing in federal court in Maryland, Reuveni faced scrutiny after the government admitted it should not have deported Kilmar Abrego García on March 15. This deportation was part of an unexpected airlift of individuals believed to be gang members to the Terrorism Confinement Center in El Salvador. Reuveni’s acknowledgment of this mistake in court has led to widespread media coverage, highlighting the complexities and challenges surrounding U.S. immigration policy.
In response to inquiries regarding Reuveni’s conduct, Attorney General Pam Bondi stated, “At my direction, every Department of Justice attorney is required to zealously advocate on behalf of the United States. Any attorney who fails to abide by this direction will face consequences.” This strong stance underscores the department's commitment to its agenda and the high expectations placed on its attorneys.
U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis ordered the Trump administration to arrange for Abrego García’s return by 11:59 p.m. on the following Monday. In a swift reaction, the Trump administration filed an appeal against this ruling, asserting that the judge’s order was “indefensible.” The Justice Department's filing, which Reuveni did not endorse, claimed that the U.S. lacks control over Abrego García, who remains in the custody of Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele.
In court documents, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials acknowledged that they were aware of internal protocols prohibiting the deportation of Abrego García and termed his removal an “oversight.” Reuveni was one of three attorneys who signed a court filing admitting that Abrego García's deportation was due to an “administrative error.” Notably, the lead attorney on this case, Yaakov Roth, has recently been appointed to a significant role within the department by the Trump administration.
Throughout the court proceedings, Reuveni expressed his frustration regarding the lack of clarity surrounding the authority to secure Abrego García’s return. He implored Judge Xinis to grant the administration a few days to resolve the matter without court intervention, stating that he had advised government officials to follow this course of action. The judge responded, emphasizing that “Good clients listen to their lawyers,” highlighting the importance of legal counsel in navigating complex immigration issues.
The suspension of Erez Reuveni serves as a critical reminder of the tensions within the Justice Department regarding immigration enforcement and legal representation. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how this controversy will impact the broader landscape of U.S. immigration policy and the treatment of individuals seeking refuge from dangerous conditions in their home countries.
