NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — A federal judge in Tennessee has warned top officials from the Trump administration that they could face sanctions if they continue making inflammatory remarks about Kilmar Abrego Garcia, whose upcoming trial could be prejudiced by such statements. In an order issued late Monday, U.S. District Judge Waverly Crenshaw instructed local prosecutors in Nashville to ensure that the opinion is shared with Department of Justice and Homeland Security employees, including Attorney General Pam Bondi and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem.
Government employees have made extrajudicial statements that are troubling, especially where many of them are exaggerated if not simply inaccurate, Crenshaw stated, referencing local rules that prohibit comments on the character or credibility of a defendant. His order stresses that any employee whose statements might materially prejudice the prosecution risks facing consequences.
Earlier this year, Abrego Garcia's wrongful deportation to a brutal prison in El Salvador garnered significant public backlash against the Trump administration's immigration policies, ultimately leading to his return to the U.S. in June under legal pressure. Since then, he has faced allegations of human smuggling, charges he contests.
Crenshaw's ruling indicates particular concern over public comments made by administration officials linking Garcia to gang violence, which could compromise his right to a fair trial. Garcia, who has an American wife and child, seeks to remain in the U.S. where, previously, he was granted protection from deportation due to threats of violence against him and his family in El Salvador.
Government employees have made extrajudicial statements that are troubling, especially where many of them are exaggerated if not simply inaccurate, Crenshaw stated, referencing local rules that prohibit comments on the character or credibility of a defendant. His order stresses that any employee whose statements might materially prejudice the prosecution risks facing consequences.
Earlier this year, Abrego Garcia's wrongful deportation to a brutal prison in El Salvador garnered significant public backlash against the Trump administration's immigration policies, ultimately leading to his return to the U.S. in June under legal pressure. Since then, he has faced allegations of human smuggling, charges he contests.
Crenshaw's ruling indicates particular concern over public comments made by administration officials linking Garcia to gang violence, which could compromise his right to a fair trial. Garcia, who has an American wife and child, seeks to remain in the U.S. where, previously, he was granted protection from deportation due to threats of violence against him and his family in El Salvador.
