On Friday, the Ministry of Justice set up for the lawyer who pleaded on behalf of the government in a trial brought by a man in Maryland who was expelled in El Salvador, said familiar sources with the case in ABC News.
Sources have said that Erez Rebeni, acting assistant director of the immigration dispute office, was informed by MJ officials that he was on leave for “non-defense with zeal” for government interests.
“In my direction, each lawyer for the Ministry of Justice is required to argue with zeal on behalf of the United States,” the Attorney General Pam Bondi said on Saturday. “Any lawyer who does not respect this direction will face consequences.”
The Attorney General Pam Bondi speaks during a press conference at the Ministry of Justice on February 12, 2025, in Washington.
Ben Curtis / AP, files
The Ministry of Justice also placed the deputy director of the Immigration Disputes on Paid Administrative Leave, said sources familiar with the case in ABC News.
August Flentje was put on administrative leave on Saturday by leaders of the main justice to “non-sub-perpervising a subordinate”, according to sources.
Officials of the Ministry of Justice did not immediately respond to the request for comments from ABC News.
The government seeks to call on an order from the judge who chaired on Friday’s hearing and ordered the ministry to facilitate the return of Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia on Monday.
During the hearing on Friday, Rebeni had difficulties several times when she was pressed by Judge Paula Xinis of the American district court for the district of Maryland for more details on the expulsion of Abrego Garcia – and why the administration said that it could not facilitate its return to the United States.
The exterior of the terrorist containment center as Kristi Noem internal security secretary arrives in Tecoleca, El Salvador, March 26, 2025.
Alex Brandon / AP
At a time of the hearing, Rebeni was questioned by Xinis by virtue of which authority the agents of the application of the laws seized Abrego Garcia.
Rebeni said he was frustrated not to have these answers.
“Your honor, my answer to many of these questions will be frustrating, and I am also frustrated not to have any answers for you on many of these questions,” said Reveni.
