# Fed Judge finds Trump administration in criminal contempt in El Salvador deportee case **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Tags:** trump\ **Created:** [April 16, 2025, 5:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fed-judge-finds-trump-administration-in-criminal-contempt-in-el-salvador-deportee-case/1017109 "2025-04-16T17:05:07Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 19\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![Dinsdale](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/97f17d/32.png) [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2025, 11:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fed-judge-finds-trump-administration-in-criminal-contempt-in-el-salvador-deportee-case/1017109/61 "2025-06-05T11:41:46Z")
> [@enipla](#): > > So what happened to this Trump mess. I’m guessing nothing and the judge is a paper tiger. Article in today’s paper just mentioned how the administration was consistently slow-walking these cases. Said in several instances, DoJ lawyers have told the court that their clients - the Agencies involved - had failed to give the lawyers the info the court ordered. According to the article, no one had been held in contempt yet. I think there was mention of a new order in a different case to “facilitate” someone’s return. Then there was a brief blurb saying something about Judge Xinis unsealing some court documents in the Abrego Garcia case. So moving slowly indeed. ---
**Author:** ![bordelond](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bordelond/32/150_2.png) [@bordelond](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bordelond)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2025, 10:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fed-judge-finds-trump-administration-in-criminal-contempt-in-el-salvador-deportee-case/1017109/62 "2025-06-06T22:04:49Z")
Kilmar Abrego Garcia is now back in the U.S., but under extradition to face migrant trafficking charges. > **[Kilmar Abrego Garcia back in US to face charges of helping traffic...](https://abcnews.go.com/US/mistakenly-deported-kilmar-abrego-garcia-back-us-face/story?id=121333122)** > > Mistakenly deported Kilmar Abrego Garcia is back in the United States to face charges of transporting undocumented migrants within the U.S. ---
**Author:** ![crowmanyclouds](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crowmanyclouds/32/19884_2.png) [@crowmanyclouds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crowmanyclouds)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2025, 10:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fed-judge-finds-trump-administration-in-criminal-contempt-in-el-salvador-deportee-case/1017109/63 "2025-06-06T22:12:47Z")
Why haven’t I/we heard about this allegation until now? ---
**Author:** ![bordelond](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bordelond/32/150_2.png) [@bordelond](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bordelond)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2025, 10:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fed-judge-finds-trump-administration-in-criminal-contempt-in-el-salvador-deportee-case/1017109/64 "2025-06-06T22:18:23Z")
They’re saying (from the same ABC News link): > The criminal investigation that led to the charges was launched in April as federal authorities began scrutinizing the circumstances of a 2022 traffic stop of Abrego Garcia by the Tennessee Highway Patrol, according to the sources. Abrego Garcia was pulled over for speeding in a vehicle with eight passengers and told police they had been working construction in Missouri. > > According to body camera footage of the 2022 traffic stop, the Tennessee troopers – after questioning Abrego Garcia – discussed among themselves their suspicions that Abrego Garcia might be transporting people for money because nine people were traveling without luggage, but Abrego Garcia was not ticketed or charged. > > The officers ultimately allowed Abrego Garcia to drive on with just a warning about an expired driver’s license, according to a report about the stop released last month by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. > > Asked what circumstances have changed since Abrego Garcia was not taken in custody during that traffic stop in Tennessee, Bondi replied, “What has changed is Donald Trump is now president of the United States, and our borders are again secure, and thanks to the bright light that has been shined on Abrego Garcia – this investigation continued with actually amazing police work, and we were able to track this case and stop this international smuggling ring from continuing.” ---
**Author:** ![iiandyiiii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/iiandyiiii/32/7924_2.png) [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2025, 10:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fed-judge-finds-trump-administration-in-criminal-contempt-in-el-salvador-deportee-case/1017109/65 "2025-06-06T22:20:02Z")
The problem was no due process. It sounds like now he’s getting due process. For political reasons, I hope there’s nothing to these charges (and considering the incompetence and dishonesty of this DoJ, I suspect there’s nothing to them), but if there is something to them, then Garcia should be prosecuted. ---
**Author:** ![crowmanyclouds](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crowmanyclouds/32/19884_2.png) [@crowmanyclouds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crowmanyclouds)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2025, 10:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fed-judge-finds-trump-administration-in-criminal-contempt-in-el-salvador-deportee-case/1017109/66 "2025-06-06T22:23:33Z")
I guess the domestic abuse charges weren’t enough. Not to mention his propensity to eat dogs and cats. ---
**Author:** ![Sage\_Rat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sage_rat/32/399_2.png) [@Sage\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sage_Rat)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2025, 10:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fed-judge-finds-trump-administration-in-criminal-contempt-in-el-salvador-deportee-case/1017109/67 "2025-06-06T22:51:28Z")
Here’s the grand jury indictment against Abrego Garcia: > **[Abrego Garcia indictment](https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/25965699-abrego-garcia-indictment/)** On the “pro” side (where “pro” is in favor of the government), it is a **grand jury** indictment, so they certainly did more than just manufacture a complaint from mid-air. On the “con” side, it was filed in mid-May. These two sources might offer some further context: > **[Justice Department investigating 2022 Abrego Garcia traffic stop: Sources](https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/justice-department-investigating-2022-abrego-garcia-traffic-stop/story?id=121492776)** > > DOJ has been investigating a 2022 Tennessee traffic stop involving Kilmar Abrego Garcia, ABC News has learned. > **[Two Plead Guilty in Illegal Alien Smuggling Operation; Three Illegal Aliens...](https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdms/pr/two-plead-guilty-illegal-alien-smuggling-operation-three-illegal-aliens-sentenced)** > > Gulfport, Miss. – Jose Ramon Hernandez-Reyes, 33, an illegal alien from Mexico, and Modesto Alvarado, 18, a United States citizen living in Houston, Texas, pled guilty before Senior U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr. in connection with illegal... My take would be that two associated people (CC-1 and CC-2), who were probably more central to planning and executing the trafficking operation have likely been offered a deal to roll over on Abrego. For example, in return for early release from prison. Their quick willingness to do so doesn’t paint a picture of a strong relationship between them and Abrego. That said, it seems likely that Abrego may have legitimately transporting illegal immigrants and to have been aware of that fact. Whether he was doing that more as a compatriot or more simply as someone taking on work and not asking too many questions about it, would probably be the crux of the matter. But if all indications are that CC-1 and CC-2 were the leaders of the matter, it would be hard to argue that releasing them in favor of nabbing Garcia is an apolitical decision. There’s a co-conspirator 6 who says that he was taking advantage of his position with some ladies (it’s unclear exactly what that means). Minus identification of CC-6, I’d find it hard to dismiss that particular claim. ---
**Author:** ![gnoitall](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/bb73d2/32.png) [@gnoitall](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gnoitall)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2025, 11:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fed-judge-finds-trump-administration-in-criminal-contempt-in-el-salvador-deportee-case/1017109/68 "2025-06-06T23:06:30Z")
> [@Sage\_Rat](#): > > it is a **grand jury** indictment, so they certainly did more than just manufacture a complaint from mid-air > **[MANSFIELD: Indicting a Ham Sandwich | CoolCleveland](https://coolcleveland.com/2015/12/mansfield-indicting-a-ham-sandwich/)** > > In 1985, Sol Wachtler, then the chief justice of New York’s Supreme Court said, “Any good prosecutor can get a grand jury to indict a... READ MORE > In 1985, Sol Wachtler, then the chief justice of New York’s Supreme Court said, “Any good prosecutor can get a grand jury to indict a ham sandwich.” It’s not much of an improvement, really. ---
**Author:** ![Chisquirrel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/6bbea6/32.png) [@Chisquirrel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chisquirrel)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2025, 12:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fed-judge-finds-trump-administration-in-criminal-contempt-in-el-salvador-deportee-case/1017109/69 "2025-06-07T00:48:51Z")
Con: This investigation was STARTED almost a month after Garcia was deported and relies on the testimony of known human traffickers. At this point, DOJ officials should be sitting in prison next to the “co-conspirators”. ---
**Author:** ![Superdude](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/superdude/32/13450_2.png) [@Superdude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Superdude)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2025, 1:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fed-judge-finds-trump-administration-in-criminal-contempt-in-el-salvador-deportee-case/1017109/70 "2025-06-07T01:06:37Z")
What’s the statute of limitations on those crimes he’s allegedly committed? ---
**Author:** ![thorny\_locust](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thorny_locust/32/431_2.png) [@thorny\_locust](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thorny_locust)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2025, 3:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fed-judge-finds-trump-administration-in-criminal-contempt-in-el-salvador-deportee-case/1017109/71 "2025-06-07T03:37:11Z")
> [@bordelond](#): > > the Tennessee troopers – after questioning Abrego Garcia – discussed among themselves their suspicions that Abrego Garcia might be transporting people for money because nine people were traveling without luggage Huh? Wouldn’t the fact that they had no luggage argue against that instead of for it? ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2025, 3:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fed-judge-finds-trump-administration-in-criminal-contempt-in-el-salvador-deportee-case/1017109/72 "2025-06-07T03:54:35Z")
> [@thorny\_locust](#): > > Wouldn’t the fact that they had no luggage argue against that instead of for it? I better start keeping luggage in my car so that I don’t get indicted for human trafficking when I drop my kid off at school. ---
**Author:** ![Irishman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/b487fb/32.png) [@Irishman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Irishman)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2025, 6:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fed-judge-finds-trump-administration-in-criminal-contempt-in-el-salvador-deportee-case/1017109/73 "2025-06-07T18:46:36Z")
> [@thorny\_locust](#): > > Wouldn’t the fact that they had no luggage argue against that instead of for it? You think smugglers want to deal with luggage? You think a semi-trailer full of transportees carry luggage with them? You think NINE people in his vehicle had _room_ for luggage? Does it say what he was driving? ---
**Author:** ![thorny\_locust](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thorny_locust/32/431_2.png) [@thorny\_locust](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thorny_locust)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2025, 8:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fed-judge-finds-trump-administration-in-criminal-contempt-in-el-salvador-deportee-case/1017109/74 "2025-06-07T20:19:29Z")
1. I’m not thinking trunks and multiple suitcases requiring help schlepping them around; I’m thinking backpacks and duffle bags. 1. I expect people carry what they can. I don’t expect that’s very much. But I do expect it’s something. > **[What's in My Bag? :: What Refugees Bring When They Run for Their Lives](https://www.carryology.com/bags/whats-in-my-bag-what-refugees-bring-when-they-run-for-their-lives/)** > > Republished with permission, the following article from Medium provides insight into what refugees bring when they run for their lives... [https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2022/10/22/1107495948/keepsakes-that-refugees-brought-to-remind-them-of-home](https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2022/10/22/1107495948/keepsakes-that-refugees-brought-to-remind-them-of-home) 1. If you don’t know what he was driving, how do you know whether they had room for anything besides their bodies? 2. Do you think people being given a ride to work usually carry baggage? ---
**Author:** ![Irishman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/b487fb/32.png) [@Irishman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Irishman)\ **Post date:** [June 8, 2025, 7:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fed-judge-finds-trump-administration-in-criminal-contempt-in-el-salvador-deportee-case/1017109/75 "2025-06-08T07:38:26Z")
Looking at the article where the cops were suspicious because of a lack of baggage, the details aren’t exactly spelled out, but reading between the lines and looking at the second article about the main witnesses 1. They were arrested in Tennessee. 2. They were in a vehicle with Texas plates. 3. It was like likely a minivan - the similar incident was a Dodge Caravan. Again, that incident had more passengers than proper seats. 4. The claim was he was transporting the men for work. So we have 9 people going from Texas to at least Tennessee for work with “no baggage”. Given that situation, they would be expected to have more than just a tiny backpack or duffel. Like actual bags. With clothes and such. Or the cops weren’t suspicious because of the lack of baggage, they just said that because saying it was because it was a car load of Mexicans would have sounded too racist. Or something. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2025, 6:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fed-judge-finds-trump-administration-in-criminal-contempt-in-el-salvador-deportee-case/1017109/76 "2025-06-09T18:46:41Z")
He was probably taking them to Lowes or Home Depot to get work for the day. ---
**Author:** ![Irishman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/b487fb/32.png) [@Irishman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Irishman)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2025, 4:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fed-judge-finds-trump-administration-in-criminal-contempt-in-el-salvador-deportee-case/1017109/77 "2025-06-10T16:55:16Z")
Yeah - Home Depot 2 states away. ---
**Author:** ![excavating\_for\_a\_mind](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/e8c25b/32.png) [@excavating\_for\_a\_mind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/excavating_for_a_mind)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2025, 11:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fed-judge-finds-trump-administration-in-criminal-contempt-in-el-salvador-deportee-case/1017109/78 "2025-06-10T23:57:33Z")
> [@Irishman](#): > > 1. They were in a vehicle with Texas plates. > > So we have 9 people going from Texas to at least Tennessee for work with “no baggage”. > … I do have a problem with this logic. Just because the vehicle had Texas plates does not mean their journey that day began in Texarkana. ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2025, 12:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fed-judge-finds-trump-administration-in-criminal-contempt-in-el-salvador-deportee-case/1017109/79 "2025-06-11T00:28:19Z")
> [@excavating\_for\_a\_mind](#): > > I do have a problem with this logic. Just because the vehicle had Texas plates does not mean their journey that day began in Texarkana. Agreed. I see people with out-of-state plates around here all the time. Some of them are my neighbors. I don’t assume that every time I see their vehicle, they just drove in from that state. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fed-judge-finds-trump-administration-in-criminal-contempt-in-el-salvador-deportee-case/1017109.md?page=3)