Context:

Kilmar Abrego Garcia's legal team is seeking additional testimonies from officials of the Department of Homeland Security, Department of Justice, and State Department regarding the Trump administration's efforts to facilitate his release from custody in El Salvador. The lawyers filed a motion to U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis to designate officials who can provide detailed information, hoping to avoid the need for top department heads to testify. The court has already approved four depositions, but the plaintiffs claim they still lack clarity on the government's actions regarding Abrego Garcia's case. They are also considering requesting a White House testimony, as they believe decision-making at that level is involved. The Trump administration has invoked the state secrets privilege, complicating the legal proceedings, with a hearing scheduled to discuss these privileges and Abrego Garcia's status as a deported individual labeled as a security threat by the DHS Secretary Kristi Noem.

Dive Deeper:

• Kilmar Abrego Garcia's attorneys have requested three additional depositions from DHS, DOJ, and State Department representatives to understand the Trump administration's actions regarding his release from El Salvadorian custody.

• The request aims to identify officials who can testify without burdening department heads, using Rule 30(b)(6) to ensure representatives are well-prepared with comprehensive department knowledge.

• Despite already approved depositions, the plaintiffs feel they lack sufficient information on governmental efforts to facilitate Garcia's return to the U.S., prompting them to consider involving White House representatives.

• Judge Paula Xinis has been asked to address the government's invocation of the state secrets privilege, which it uses to withhold information about Garcia's deportation, with a court hearing set to discuss this matter.

• DHS Secretary Kristi Noem has publicly stated that Garcia, identified as a dangerous individual and alleged MS-13 gang member, should not return to the U.S., reinforcing the stance against his reentry.