Bulwark Takes: “Abject Humiliation” Judge Shreds Trump’s DOJ; Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s Release Ordered

Release Date: June 24, 2025

In this compelling episode of Bulwark Takes, hosted by Sam Sty from The Bulwark, the spotlight is on a significant legal development involving Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a man whose case has recently exposed deep fractures within the Department of Justice (DOJ) under the Trump administration. Joining Sam is Adam Klusfeld of AllRiseNews.com, a legal expert providing in-depth analysis of the proceedings and their broader implications.

1. Case Background and Context

[01:30] Sam Sty:
Sam introduces the episode by welcoming Adam Klusfeld, who has been closely following the Kilmar Abrego Garcia trial in Tennessee. Sam sets the stage by mentioning a recent ruling that has caused substantial embarrassment to the DOJ, highlighting the complexity and controversial nature of the case.

[02:02] Adam Klusfeld:
Adam provides a comprehensive background of Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s ordeal. Garcia was wrongfully deported to El Salvador from the U.S., spending several months in a foreign prison until a Supreme Court intervention facilitated his return. The situation escalated when the DOJ initiated a secret investigation into a 2020 traffic stop involving Garcia for speeding, which had no substantial findings for years. This investigation resurfaced under the Trump administration, leading to Garcia’s indictment on charges of human smuggling—specifically, smuggling undocumented immigrants from Texas to Maryland.

Adam elucidates the precarious nature of the charges, noting that despite the serious allegations, a judge found Garcia’s continued detention unjustifiable, thereby scheduling a hearing to consider his release with bail conditions.

2. Legal Proceedings and Implications

[04:04] Sam Sty:
Sam critiques the DOJ’s strategy, pointing out the irony in the government fabricating a flight risk to justify continued detention, which ironically necessitates such detention despite the shaky grounds of their claim.

[04:55] Adam Klusfeld:
Adam delves deeper into the allegations, clarifying that while there were claims by Attorney General Pam Bondi about Garcia endangering minors, these charges were never formally filed and were dismissed in the recent ruling. He emphasizes the lack of substantial evidence supporting these serious accusations.

[05:19] Sam Sty:
Sam summarizes the DOJ’s actions, portraying them as a move to detain Garcia under dubious pretenses after his wrongful deportation and highlighting the administration’s narrative of victory despite the underlying weaknesses in their case.

3. The Judge’s Ruling and DOJ’s Failures

[09:24] Adam Klusfeld:
Adam passionately describes the judge’s ruling as a "remarkable abject humiliation" for Trump’s DOJ. He quotes the ruling, emphasizing the court’s dismissal of the DOJ’s evidence due to its unreliable nature:

“The court gives little weight to the hearsay testimony. Double hearsay through Special Agent Joseph's testimony of the first male cooperator...”

Adam highlights the problematic nature of the DOJ’s star witnesses—individuals with dubious credibility, including prior felony convictions and multiple deportations—who were granted leniency in exchange for their cooperation.

[11:55] Sam Sty:
Sam questions the next steps following the ruling, particularly the DOJ’s threat to detain Garcia on separate grounds, potentially leading to his deportation. He raises concerns about the integrity of the legal process and the likelihood of Garcia being deprived of due process.

[12:18] Adam Klusfeld:
Adam discusses the concept of "chain deportation," where deporting Garcia to another country could indirectly send him back to El Salvador, where he faces persecution—a point that complicates the DOJ’s strategy. He predicts a riveting hearing set for Wednesday, where the DOJ may attempt to enforce Garcia’s deportation despite the court’s unfavorable ruling.

4. Broader Implications and Future Developments

[15:44] Sam Sty:
Sam criticizes the DOJ’s maneuvering, suggesting a lack of respect for due process and highlighting the multiple missteps in their case against Garcia. He speculates about the potential for ICE agents to swiftly deport Garcia immediately after a court appearance, undermining the judicial process.

[15:48] Adam Klusfeld:
Adam confirms the likelihood of such an outcome, noting the DOJ’s clear intent to circumvent the court’s decision by pursuing deportation through alternative means. He underscores the systemic issues within the DOJ, particularly under the Trump administration, where legal protocols appear to be routinely bypassed.

[16:22] Adam Klusfeld:
Providing a firsthand account, Adam describes the courthouse environment during Garcia’s trial, mentioning significant demonstrations outside and the absence of visible ICE agents inside. He anticipates a dramatic showdown in the upcoming hearing, reflecting the high stakes and the intense public interest in Garcia’s case.

5. Conclusion and Forward Look

[18:19] Sam Sty:
Sam wraps up the discussion by acknowledging the constitutional challenges posed by the Garcia case. He thanks Adam for his insightful analysis and hints at a follow-up discussion after the Wednesday ruling, keeping listeners engaged and anticipating future episodes.

Notable Quotes

• Adam Klusfeld [09:24]:
  “It's absolutely remarkable. It's an abject humiliation of Trump's DOJ.”

• Adam Klusfeld [15:44]:
  “It just shows the ongoing gamification and the ongoing end run.”

• Sam Sty [16:22]:
  “The possibility for that spectacle is high.”

Insights and Takeaways

• Judicial Integrity vs. Political Maneuvering: The Garcia case starkly illustrates the tension between judicial decisions and political strategies within the DOJ. The judge’s ruling highlights significant flaws in the DOJ’s approach, particularly their reliance on unreliable witnesses and baseless allegations.

• Due Process Under Threat: The episode underscores concerns about the erosion of due process rights, especially for individuals wrongfully deported or targeted by politically motivated investigations.

• Chain Deportation: The concept of chain deportation presents a complex legal challenge, where deporting an individual to a third country effectively circumvents protections against persecution, raising serious human rights issues.

• Public and Legal Accountability: The substantial public demonstrations and the media’s coverage, as highlighted by Adam, indicate a growing demand for transparency and accountability within the DOJ.

• Future Developments: The forthcoming hearing is poised to be a critical juncture, potentially setting a precedent for how similar cases might be handled in the future, especially concerning the balance between national security claims and individual rights.

Bulwark Takes continues to provide incisive analysis on pressing legal and political issues, offering listeners a thorough understanding of complex cases like that of Kilmar Abrego Garcia. This episode not only sheds light on the intricacies of the American legal system but also serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of upholding justice and due process in times of political turbulence.