Rep. Smith Statement on Trump’s Constitutional Crisis

Today, Rep. Smith (D-Wash.) released the following statement after the continued refusal of the Trump Administration to follow the rule of law.

President Donald Trump is defying the Supreme Court of the United States. This is a constitutional crisis. The legislative and judicial branches have a duty to rein in an executive that overreaches its authority. It is long past time for Congress and the courts to hold the Trump Administration accountable.

The Supreme Court has ordered the Trump Administration to facilitate the release of Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia from custody in El Salvador and to ensure the proper handling of his case.

The Trump Administration detained Mr. Abrego Garcia as he picked up his 5-year-old son, then unlawfully deported him and sent him to a notorious mega-prison in El Salvador—without due process. Trump’s team has repeatedly lied about Abrego Garcia’s case, despite a Trump official admitting in court that his removal was a mistake. The Administration refuses to correct its error—leaving an innocent man and his family to suffer the consequences.

This is inhumane. This is unjust. This is unconstitutional.

Congress must act. Just three Republican Senators and four Republican House members are needed to join their Democratic colleagues in taking a brave, moral, and constitutional stand to rein in the President’s unchecked power. Mr. Abrego Garcia must be returned to the United States immediately—and the Trump Administration must be reined in.

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