Overview

• U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis is set to hear arguments on the Trump administration's invocation of the state secrets privilege to shield information about its handling of Kilmar Abrego Garcia's deportation and return.
• Abrego Garcia, a legal U.S. resident, was deported to El Salvador in March 2025 in violation of a 2019 court order that barred his removal due to risks of persecution.
• The Supreme Court and lower courts have unanimously ordered the administration to facilitate his return, but his attorneys argue the government has made no effort to comply.
• The administration claims disclosing details of its actions would harm national security and foreign relations, a position supported by a sealed declaration from Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
• Friday’s hearing could determine whether the administration’s state secrets claim is a valid justification for withholding compliance evidence in the case.