This hearing did not go well for the DOJ
Judge Xinis says there's been no offer of protection from Uganda akin to what Costa Rica has promised. The government can right the ship by showing some representation from Uganda that his freedom will not be curtailed, or that he will not be tortured or sent to El Salvador. 2/
— Mueller, She Wrote (@muellershewrote.com) 2025-08-25T18:09:05.534Z
She also says that Mr Abrego's deportation to Uganda is punishment for exercising his constitutional rights (in her preliminary view), so she just wants to make sure the schedule she proposes works. She will extend her TRO in the interim. 3/
— Mueller, She Wrote (@muellershewrote.com) 2025-08-25T18:13:08.204Z
Drew Ensign says removal is not imminent, and he'd like to consult with his clients and Mr Abrego's lawyers. Judge Xinis asks "are you aware that the government is absolutely forbidden to remove him from the United States?" Mr. Ensign says he understands that. 4/
— Mueller, She Wrote (@muellershewrote.com) 2025-08-25T18:13:08.205Z
Mr Abrego's lawyers say they are concerned the government might move him tonight. Ensign says he doesn't have authorization to agree to that, but says he isn't aware of any plans to move him. Xinis says she will order government to NOT remove him to a place where he wont have access to counsel 8/
— Mueller, She Wrote (@muellershewrote.com) 2025-08-25T18:19:30.800Z
HA: she asks "do i need to put that in writing or will my oral announcement suffice?" (The government argued in the alien enemies act case that Judge Boasberg's oral order to turn the planes around didn't count.) The government says her oral order is sufficient. 9/
— Mueller, She Wrote (@muellershewrote.com) 2025-08-25T18:21:21.101Z