Harry Litman, a former U.S. attorney and deputy assistant attorney general, said President Trump’s idea to send U.S. prisoners to El Salvador is an “abomination.”
Litman joined CNN News Central with Boris Sanchez on Monday after Trump met with El Salvador President Nayib Bukele at the White House to discuss deportations.
He was sharply critical of the two leaders who have no plans to return a wrongfully deported Maryland man and the suggestion that U.S. prisoners could head to the Latin American mega-prison where Kilmar Abrego Garcia is being held.
Last week, the Supreme Court ruled that the U.S. must “facilitate” the return of Abrego Garcia, but Trump and Bukele suggested they don’t have the power to do so. The order offered the administration some wiggle room, as it was unclear if or when the man would return home.
During the Monday meeting, administration officials mischaracterized the substance of the court’s order, which the former Justice Department official called “monstrous.”
“The attempt by the President to just say, ‘Well, I say otherwise,’ you can’t say otherwise,” Litman said. “That’s the whole point.”
Litman emphasized that it’s a violation of Abrego Garcia’s due process rights and it could cost him his life due to gang violence in the country.
The discussion came as Trump and Bukele have strengthened their relationship following a $6 million deportation deal. Both leaders have avoided responsibility for Abrego Garcia’s deportation and been at the center of a legal battle to return the Maryland man.
Sanchez also asked Litman about Trump’s recent claim that he would “love” to send violent U.S. prisoners to El Salvador, but would need to check if it is legal first.
“Yes, there are terrible criminals here, but that doesn’t mean you can torture them,” Litman replied, invoking the Eight Amendment, which prohibits excessive punishments.
“It’s pernicious. This is really … even in this case, an abomination of a day with both those suggestions,” Litman said of Abrego Garcia’s deportation and Trump’s suggestion. “I know you can hear it from my tone, but it is way, way beyond the pale, and just contempt for the Constitution and rule of law.”
