Another bureaucratic blunder has turned a deportation case into a full-blown circus at the Justice Department. The main issue centers on the Trump administration's efforts to deport Kilmar Abrego Garcia, an undocumented immigrant accused of having links to the violent MS-13 gang.

As reported by the Washington Examiner, the situation escalated when a Department of Justice lawyer mishandled the case and was later removed from their position. This case highlights a clear example of government errors clashing with legal proceedings.

Abrego Garcia entered the United States without authorization years ago, later marrying a U.S. citizen and settling in Maryland. Under the Biden administration, he even secured a work permit, a move that raised eyebrows among those prioritizing border security. But the Trump administration targeted him for deportation this spring after court rulings identified him as an MS-13 affiliate.

Deportation Attempt Hits Legal Roadblock

The plan to send Abrego Garcia back to El Salvador under the Alien Enemies Act hit a snag due to a 2019 court order. That ruling barred his return to El Salvador over legitimate safety concerns involving potential retaliation from MS-13 members displeased with him. It’s a curious twist—protecting someone with alleged gang ties from the very gang he’s tied to.

Enter Erez Reuveni, the Justice Department lawyer tasked with arguing the administration’s case. In a stunning courtroom admission, Reuveni acknowledged that Abrego Garcia was mistakenly sent to El Salvador earlier this year due to what the DOJ called an “administrative error.” One might call it an error; others might call it a glaring failure of basic competence.

That misstep landed Abrego Garcia in a Salvadoran prison, far from U.S. jurisdiction, complicating matters further. The Trump administration initially resisted bringing him back, arguing they couldn’t control his fate while he was detained abroad. It’s a fair point—if you’ve lost the keys to the car, how do you drive it home?

DOJ Lawyer Faces Swift Exit

Reuveni’s handling of the case didn’t just raise questions; it reportedly led to his exit from the DOJ. Court filings confirm he’s no longer with the department following accusations that he undermined the administration’s deportation efforts. Reports from earlier this year suggest he was pushed out for failing to align with the government’s stance.

Attorney General Pam Bondi didn’t mince words on this during a Fox News interview. “When you represent the United States of America as an assistant U.S. attorney, you argue for the Constitution, for the United States of America, and for your clients, and he didn’t do that,” she said.

Bondi’s critique stings with precision, pointing out that Reuveni allegedly worked against key agencies like Homeland Security and the State Department. If true, that’s not just a misstep; it’s a deliberate sidestep of duty. The DOJ, under Bondi’s watch, made it clear such conduct wouldn’t stand.

Supreme Court Steps Into Fray

The case escalated all the way to the Supreme Court, where justices ruled that the Trump administration must bring Abrego Garcia back to the U.S. Initially, compliance seemed impossible with him detained overseas. Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele himself questioned how he could be expected to facilitate such a return.

“How can I smuggle a terrorist into the United States?” Bukele asked pointedly in April. His frustration is understandable—being caught between international law and U.S. demands is no picnic.

Yet, after diplomatic pressure from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Bukele relented and returned Abrego Garcia to American soil earlier this month. It’s a win for persistence, though one wonders if the effort matches the outcome. The saga didn’t end with a handshake and a plane ticket, though.

New Charges Await Upon Return

Upon his arrival back in the U.S., the DOJ wasted no time slapping Abrego Garcia with federal human trafficking charges. The allegations are heavy, accusing him of smuggling guns, drugs, and thousands of unauthorized individuals—many reportedly linked to MS-13—across the border in over 100 trips. If proven, it paints a grim picture of unchecked criminal activity.

This case underscores the complexities of immigration enforcement, where legal protections, diplomatic tensions, and serious criminal allegations collide. It’s a reminder that border security isn’t just a policy debate—it’s a high-stakes chess game with real consequences. The Trump administration’s resolve to tackle these issues head-on is clear, even if the execution sometimes stumbles.

In the end, while Reuveni’s departure signals accountability within the DOJ, the broader question remains: How do we balance safety, legality, and humanity in such messy cases? It’s a puzzle with no easy answers, but one thing is certain—ignoring the problem won’t solve it. Let’s hope future efforts avoid the kind of “administrative errors” that turn serious policy into a courtroom soap opera.