A judge in Maryland has called out the Trump administration for apparently not following court orders about a Venezuelan national who was mistakenly sent away from the U.S. Judge Stephanie Gallagher has raised significant alarm over the government’s actions concerning:Daniel Lozano-Camargo, known in legal filers as “Cristian.” His case is a troubling one, especially since he was deported to El Salvador even though he had an asylum request pending in the U.S.
His situation has worsened; after a prisoner exchange mediated by the U.S., he found himself back in Venezuela, a place from which he originally sought refuge. In Gallagher’s words, “[i]t is equally possible that Cristian has been the victim of the anticipated violence that caused him to seek asylum in the United States in the first instance.” It’s worrying that he is currently unaccounted for and his fate is unknown. Whether he’s chosen to abandon his hope of returning or has fallen victim to violence, remains an open question.
Back in March, amid escalating tensions concerning Venezuelan gangs like Tren de Aragua, President Trump had invoked the Alien Enemies Act. Many Venezuelan nationals, including Lozano-Camargo, were then deported to El Salvador, where he was placed in what many refer to as a terrorist prison.
With his asylum case ongoing, his lawyers swiftly acted, filing a last-minute plea for his return. Attorney Gallagher’s ruling mandated the administration to make a significant effort to secure his return, which should involve the Department of Homeland Security petitioning El Salvador for Lozano-Camargo’s safe release.
By May, the administration was ordered to submit updates on whereabouts and conditions regarding Lozano-Camargo. The U.S. State Department was tasked with stepping in to offer help as well.
However, the responses have been unsatisfactory, with Gallagher stating, “none of them detailed steps being taken for his return,” making it evident the government was not genuinely complying. In July, a possible prisoner exchange emerged, disclosing that Lozano-Camargo was among those being shifted further south after his deportation at just 20 years old.
Despite orders, things deteriorated further. Gallagher noted “beginning in late August, 2025, Class Counsel has been unable to reach Cristian,” and as of November 14, the judge reported his current whereabouts were completely unknown.
The court received three motions—two from Lozano-Camargo’s legal team. One proposed obtaining immediate notice on his repatriation, but since he’s believed not to be in any government’s detention, Gallagher deemed it “moot.” Another requested holding certain officials, including Secretary Rubio, in contempt for not following the court’s guidance. Ultimately, Gallagher recognized her frustration but wouldn’t go as far as to impose such a strict punishment.
While Gallagher voiced her significant frustrations over the apparent lack of governmental good faith in complying with court directives, she clarified that evidence didn’t support allegations of criminal contempt. She acknowledged Dolonzo-Camargo’s interests were overlooked for what seemed to be political maneuvers surrounding the prisoner exchange.
Despite disappointing behavior from the administration, Gallagher denied a motion to dismiss her prior order insisting on facilitation. The judge expressed that the government must respond should Lozano-Camargo appear again and wish to return, placing responsibility back on the administration.
