Judge orders Trump officials to watch what they say about Abrego Garcia

The federal judge overseeing Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s criminal case ordered the government Thursday to follow rules of court procedure that prevent officials from making public comments that could be prejudicial to the case.

Judge Waverly Crenshaw Jr. delivered the brief warning in writing after Mr. Abrego Garcia’s lawyers complained that Trump Cabinet officials have made untoward comments about the migrant.

“All counsel are expected to comply with the local rules of this court,” the judge said, though he didn’t expand on that ruling.

Among the courtroom rules is Rule 2.01, which bars extrajudicial statements that could prejudice a proceeding.

“Thus far, the government has completely disregarded and repeatedly violated this rule,” said Sean Hecker, a lawyer for Mr. Abrego Garcia.

Mr. Abrego Garcia has been charged with one count of migrant smuggling.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has labeled him a “member of MS-13” and a “wifebeater.”

Attorney General Pam Bondi has accused him of soliciting nude photos of a juvenile, and taking part in the killing of a rival gang member’s mother.

The MS-13 accusation is based on the findings of an immigration judge. The domestic violence allegation likely stems from protective order applications filed by Mr. Abrego Garcia’s wife.

The nude photos claim has been raised by a Homeland Security Investigations agent in the pretrial detention proceedings.

Mr. Abrego Garcia’s criminal case is playing out in a federal court in Tennessee, where he and the government are fighting over pretrial detention.

He is also battling in a federal court in Maryland where he has challenged his initial March 15 deportation to El Salvador as unlawful — a conclusion the judge in that case has sustained.

In court filings Wednesday, Mr. Abrego Garcia alleged he was tortured while at the Salvadoran terrorist prison.

His lawyers said he was pushed down the airplane stairs when he arrived and was forcibly seated on a bus and put in extra shackles. He was “repeatedly struck” by officers when he raised his head.

Once in his cell, he was forced to kneel from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m., and guards would strike those who fell down, the lawyers said. They said he “soiled himself” after being denied bathroom access, and the bunks lacked mattresses.