Justice Department Attorney on Indefinite Paid Leave Following Mishandled Deportation Case

A lawyer representing the government in a lawsuit filed by a Maryland man mistakenly deported to El Salvador has been placed on indefinite paid leave. The Justice Department made this decision following the attorney’s performance in court, as confirmed by sources familiar with the situation.

Erez Reuveni, who served as the acting deputy director for the Office of Immigration Litigation, was informed by DOJ officials that he was put on leave for “failing to zealously advocate” for the government’s position.

“Under my leadership, every lawyer in the Department of Justice is expected to ardently represent the interests of the United States,” stated Attorney General Pam Bondi on Saturday. “Any attorney who does not comply with this directive will face repercussions.”

The government is planning to challenge a court order from Judge Paula Xinis, which demands the return of Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia by Monday.

During Friday’s proceedings, Reuveni struggled to provide details about why Abrego Garcia was deported and why the administration claimed it couldn’t ensure his return to the U.S. Judge Xinis repeatedly pressed Reuveni for answers regarding the deportation.

At one stage, Judge Xinis inquired about the legal authority under which law enforcement had detained Abrego Garcia.

Reuveni expressed his own frustration over the lack of information, stating, “Your honor, my responses to many of these questions will be unsatisfactory, and I’m equally frustrated that I do not have the answers you seek.”