Following the recent dismissal of the charges against Kilmar Abrego Garcia, it is crucial not to portray him as a hero, nor should we overlook his situation. Abrego Garcia represents many individuals who violated laws to enter the United States. His story is significant, not due to any personal qualities, but because of the broader implications.

The Trump administration has repeatedly targeted him, illegally deporting him to CECOT prison in El Salvador and falsely labeling him as a gang member. These actions by government officials pose a greater threat to law and order than Abrego Garcia’s alleged crimes.

Last year, after extensive delays and false claims of helplessness in returning him to the U.S., officials abruptly brought Abrego Garcia back and arrested him. They labeled him as an “MS-13 gang member” and more, yet failed to charge him with these heinous allegations. Instead, they accused him of alien smuggling, a charge eventually dismissed by the court.

The case was built on unreliable testimony. A witness who had been deported five times and convicted twice accused Abrego Garcia in exchange for his release. His claim of Abrego Garcia driving hundreds of illegal aliens each week lacked credibility.

President Donald Trump’s approach emphasizes the legal battle itself as punishment, regardless of an individual’s guilt or innocence. He uses prolonged legal proceedings to target his opponents, knowing the financial and personal toll it takes.

The courts’ role shouldn’t end with dismissing inadequate charges. Prosecutors who engage in deceitful practices must face consequences. One effective measure is to challenge the law licenses of those responsible for sham prosecutions. The court recognized Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche’s admission that the case was about Abrego Garcia challenging his deportation, not about smuggling.

Suing the government for damages can provide some recourse but is less effective in deterring misconduct, as taxpayers end up bearing the cost. Nevertheless, victims of abusive law enforcement, like Abrego Garcia and others, deserve compensation for their suffering.

Ironically, Trump allocated $1.8 billion for compensating those convicted of crimes rather than those wrongfully prosecuted. This approach reverses justice, rewarding wrongful actions while claiming victimhood. During his presidency, Trump weaponized the Justice Department against his adversaries but alleged the opposite.

Thomas G. Moukawsher, a former Connecticut judge and former leader at the American Bar Association, explores these issues in his book, The Common Flaw: Needless Complexity in the Courts and 50 Ways to Reduce It.