Overview
- Defense lawyers asked U.S. District Judge Waverly Crenshaw to cancel next week’s evidentiary hearing and dismiss the indictment, arguing the government withheld discovery and blocked key witnesses.
- Judge Crenshaw previously found a realistic likelihood of vindictive prosecution and ordered rare discovery with a two-day hearing to let the government rebut the claim.
- Subpoenas target senior Justice Department officials, including Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, as the government moves to quash those demands for testimony.
- Federal prosecutors told the court they may pursue immediate appellate relief, including mandamus, if senior officials are compelled to testify.
- A separate order by Judge Paula Xinis keeps Abrego Garcia in the U.S. for now as the government explores third-country removal options, including Liberia, while the Tennessee charges stem from a 2022 traffic stop and a trial is slated for early next year if the case proceeds.