The Trump administration informed a federal judge this week that it is taking steps to return an illegal immigrant who was mistakenly deported to Mexico without being asked whether he feared going there.

The Department of Homeland Security has prepared “parole” paperwork to facilitate the return of the man, identified in court documents only as OCG, and is currently arranging a suitable flight.

The case represents a rare acknowledgment of error by the administration as it carries out President Trump’s strict deportation directives.

Initially, Homeland Security claimed that agents had confirmed with the man that he had no objection to being removed to Mexico. However, the department later admitted the record may have been incorrect, and officials have been unable to identify anyone who actually asked the question.

“This is a really big deal. It’s a really big deal to lie to the court under oath,” U.S. District Judge Brian Murphy told the administration in a hearing last week. “I could not take this more seriously.”

OCG, a native of Guatemala, had been ordered deported but was granted withholding of removal due to the dangers he would face if returned there. Trump administration officials sought a “third country” willing to accept him and asserted that Mexico had agreed.

However, OCG had previously been kidnapped and raped in Mexico, raising serious concerns about his safety if sent there.

According to his attorneys, he has since fled Mexico and is now hiding in Guatemala, reportedly paralyzed by fear.

The case is being overseen by Murphy, a Biden appointee based in Massachusetts, who is presiding over a broader legal challenge involving immigrants who cannot be returned to their home countries and for whom the government is attempting to arrange relocation to third countries.