As we cross the 100-day mark of the Trump administration’s second term, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on where things stand—both legally and personally.
In this video, I walk through the latest developments in the Abrego Garcia case, including the administration’s reported startling admission that it could bring him back, but simply won’t. I also share a troubling story about a private attorney who appears to have been fired for trying to help an immigrant family—and what that says about the broader climate for lawyers right now and the intimidation at work
This moment is testing all of us. So I also took some time to reflect on the people—public figures and everyday citizens alike—who are showing moral courage and providing the kind of leadership and role-modeling we so badly need.
–Andrew
P.S. The YouTube link can be found, here.
TRANSCRIPT
Hi folks,
It’s Wednesday, and we’re now at Day 101 of the second Trump presidency. I want to touch on a few key developments.
First, The New York Times is reporting that Donald Trump has acknowledged he could bring Mr. Abrego Garcia back from El Salvador, where he remains jailed after being wrongfully deported—but won’t, citing alleged gang affiliation. This is the same case where the Supreme Court has ordered the U.S. government to facilitate Garcia’s return.
There have been sealed filings in the district court, which had previously ordered discovery into what exactly the government is doing. My current guess? The administration may be trying to send Garcia to a third country—with his consent—as a way to save face and avoid returning him to the U.S., which they likely see as a political loss. In the meantime, he remains in jail.
Separately, Judge Gallagher is presiding over another case involving a different defendant. In that case, the judge not only ordered the government to facilitate return, but also to make a good-faith request to El Salvador for repatriation. Given the Times reporting, it’ll be important to watch how Judge Gallagher and the original district judge respond.
Now, another story that caught my attention: Clay Jackson, an attorney in Dallas, reportedly tried to help an immigrant family find legal assistance. He informed his employer—a large insurance company—and was subsequently fired. The company’s leadership are reportedly financial supporters of the president. While we haven’t heard their side, the timing raises serious questions. Was he fired simply for trying to connect someone with legal counsel?
If that’s true, this would mark a new low: the private sector acting punitively toward those offering legal aid, just as we’ve seen the administration retaliate against law firms. Due process and access to legal help should never be a firing offense.
Finally, I want to reflect on where we are at Day 101. Yesterday, I attended the funeral of a truly remarkable man—a military veteran, former head of compliance at the FBI, and someone of deep moral clarity. His life reminded me how crucial it is to have role models to guide us in moments like this.
None of us asked to be in this moment, but we must decide how to respond. I found myself thinking about the public and private role models who show us the way.
People like President Zelensky, who stayed in Ukraine rather than fleeing, and Alexei Navalny, who gave his life as a dissident. But also quieter figures: Clay Jackson. The president of Princeton, Chris Eisgruber. Rachel Maddow, whose past 100 days of coverage have been extraordinary—even by her standards. Nicole Wallace and Lawrence O’Donnell, who have been mentors and examples for me.
And of course, the lawyers fighting for the rule of law: those at Protect Democracy, the ACLU, and attorneys like Paul Clement—a respected conservative who now represents WilmerHale in their fight against the executive order targeting their firm. Clement is also reported to be on the defense team for Judge Dugan, the state court judge arrested for allegedly helping a defendant avoid ICE detention by using a different courthouse door.
That case, which Mary McCord and I discussed on Main Justice, is another troubling development. Mary herself is also a hero, and her team at ICAP has been doing incredible work—especially their challenge to the administration’s stance on birthright citizenship, which they will soon argue before the Supreme Court.
There are so many people—big names and everyday citizens—who show moral courage. Lawyers bringing difficult, good-faith cases. People who stand up when it’s hard. And those who came before us: my parents and grandparents who served during wartime. The resistance fighters of WWII.
We didn’t ask to be thrust into this era. But as Benjamin Franklin said, sometimes the times find us. What we do with that matters.
So I encourage all of us to look inward. Think about who you admire and the kind of person you want to be. Funerals can be a reminder of what we owe to the people who shaped us—and a call to live with integrity, especially now.
Thanks for listening.
Take care,
Stay engaged.
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