This week saw previously deported Salvadoran migrant Kilmar Abrego Garcia arraigned in federal court on human trafficking and conspiracy charges.

Lawyers who represent Garcia charge that the move demonstrates why Trump administration officials deserve to be sanctioned. 

Attorneys alleged defiance of orders

According to Fox News, the attorneys made that pitch in a Maryland courtroom on Thursday, alleging that the White House had engaged in "egregious" defiance of court orders.

They argued that the fact Garcia has just been brought back to the United States from a Salvadoran prison proves he could have been returned at any time.

"The Government’s defiance has not been subtle. It has been vocal and sustained and flagrant," the attorneys wrote in a court filing.

DOJ's claims disputed

What's more, the lawyers pointed to public remarks that had been made by high-ranking White House officials regarding their client.

Among them were comments from U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, who said in April that Garcia "is not coming back to our country" before adding, "There is no situation ever where he was going to stay in this country. None, none."

Fox News recalled how in April, U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis ordered the Trump administration to seek Garcia's return as soon as possible.

In response, Department of Justice (DOJ) lawyers maintained that Garcia was being incarcerated by the government of El Salvador and the Trump administration thus lacked the authority to bring about his release.

Garcia's troubling history under scrutiny

In addition to being charged with human trafficking, Fox News reported earlier this year that Garcia's wife previously accused him of domestic violence and sought a restraining order against her husband.

Vasquez asserted in a handwritten 2021 court filing that Garcia repeatedly left her bruised and bloodied and also damaged property.

"In November 2020, he hit me with his work boot. In August 2020, he hit me in the eye leaving a purple eye," she explained while also recounting an incident in which her husband tore her clothes off.

"At this point, I am afraid to be close to him. I have multiple photos/videos of how violent he can be and all the bruises he [has] left me," Vasquez added.