Attorney General Brown’s Statement on the Return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia

BALTIMORE, Md., — Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following statement on the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia.

“I welcome the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia to the United States in accordance with the Supreme Court’s clear directive to facilitate his return.

His deportation in March 2025, in direct violation of a 2019 federal court order, was unlawful and deeply concerning.

While the Administration publicly sought to minimize responsibility – including statements from President Trump suggesting he ‘could’ secure Mr. Abrego Garcia’s return yet declining to act – the Court’s ruling reaffirmed what the law required all along. Compliance with that order, although delayed, was ultimately non-negotiable.

It is also worth noting that discussions of possible criminal charges only emerged after Mr. Abrego Garcia’s wrongful removal. If those concerns were credible and supported by evidence, they should have been addressed through lawful means before violating a standing judicial order.

Beyond the legal ramifications, it is important to recognize the significant impact this situation has had on Mr. Abrego Garcia’s family and the broader community, who have endured unnecessary hardship and uncertainty throughout this process.

This case is a sobering reminder that no one—not even the Executive Branch—is above the law. Upholding the integrity of our courts and respecting their authority is essential to the health of our democracy.”