Judge Questions Trump's Claim on Migrant Return

A U.S. judge challenges President Trump's claim that he can secure the return of a deported migrant, Kilmar Abrego Garcia, with a phone call to El Salvador. The case highlights legal challenges to Trump's immigration policies, involving 137 Venezuelan migrants under the 1798 Alien Enemies Act.

A U.S. judge has put President Donald Trump's statements under scrutiny, questioning his declaration that he could return wrongly deported migrant Kilmar Abrego Garcia with a simple phone call to El Salvador's president. The comments were made during a hearing on a separate case regarding Venezuelan migrants detained under an outdated law.

Justice Department lawyer Abhishek Kambli was asked by District Judge James Boasberg whether Trump's statement in an April 30 ABC News interview was truthful. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) advocates for their return, arguing insufficient opportunity for deportation challenges under the 1798 Alien Enemies Act.

The case embodies a significant confrontation over Trump's immigration tactics, charged with compromising migrants' constitutional rights. Although no immediate ruling was made, Boasberg acknowledged potential U.S. responsibility for the migrants' situation, pressing officials on statements suggestive of U.S. influence in their detention. Meanwhile, both the White House and DHS have yet to provide comments.

(With inputs from agencies.)