Former DOJ Attorney Alleges Whistleblower Violations in Immigration Policy

Washington, D.C. — Erez Reuveni, a former attorney at the Department of Justice (DOJ), claims he witnessed serious violations of court orders and due process during his tenure with the department. Reuveni was recognized for his effective defense of President Trump’s first-term immigration policy and was promoted shortly into Trump’s second term.

However, his career ended abruptly after he refused to sign legal documents that misrepresented the status of a Salvadoran man, Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was mistakenly deported. Reuveni argues that his decision to speak up against what he deemed unethical behavior has cost him his career.

Reuveni described his intentions during a television interview, stating, “I took an oath to uphold and defend the Constitution. My view is that I need to speak up and draw attention to what is happening to the rule of law.”

Starting at the DOJ in 2010, Reuveni specialized in immigration law. He defended numerous high-profile cases, including those challenging Trump administration policies on travelers from Muslim-majority countries. In March 2020, he was promoted to acting deputy director of the immigration section at the DOJ.

On the day of his promotion, Reuveni attended a meeting led by Emil Bove, a senior DOJ official who previously served as Trump’s criminal defense attorney. At this meeting, Reuveni claims Bove indicated that a controversial wartime law would be used to expedite the deportation of over 100 Venezuelans. Bove allegedly said, “Those planes need to take off, no matter what,” and suggested that attorneys should disregard any court orders.

Reuveni described his shock at Bove’s remarks, saying, “I felt like a bomb had gone off.” He recalled the moment when government attorney Drew Ensign misled a judge about the deportation flights, calling it an “egregious violation of a lawyer’s code of ethics.”

Following the government’s failure to comply with a court order, the deported individuals were sent to a foreign country despite a judge’s decision that stated they were entitled to a hearing. Reuveni characterized the incident as a “gut punch,” noting, “We really did just tell the courts, we don’t care about your order.”

Legal experts, including former acting Attorney General Peter Keisler, have stressed that the DOJ is obligated to obey court orders. Keisler stated, “Everybody deserves their day in court,” affirming the necessity for individuals to contest their deportations.

Reuveni’s allegations have raised concerns about the treatment of immigrants and the DOJ’s adherence to legal standards under the Trump administration. He is now working with the Government Accountability Project to file a whistleblower complaint, stating that the growing pattern of abuse within the Justice Department must be addressed.

The situation surrounding Reuveni and the broader implications of these allegations have drawn critical attention from academics and legal professionals.

As of now, Kilmar Abrego Garcia has been returned to the U.S. and has pleaded not guilty to the charges. The Supreme Court has unanimously ruled that those deported under the Alien Enemies Act are entitled to due process rights.