In a twist-filled immigration battle drawing national attention, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) may attempt to deport Kilmar Abrego Garcia to a third country, not his native El Salvador, if he’s released from jail, according to federal court proceedings held Thursday in Maryland.
Abrego Garcia’s case has taken dramatic turns over recent months. Despite a prior court ruling that barred his deportation to El Salvador, he was forcibly removed from Maryland earlier this year. A Maryland judge later ordered his return to the U.S., prompting officials to fly him back… only for him to be detained on federal smuggling charges upon arrival in Tennessee.
A Tennessee judge approved his pre-trial release last weekend, but he remains in custody as legal debates continue. U.S. Magistrate Judge Barbara Holmes ordered him held until at least Friday, while the Justice Department and defense attorneys argue over whether immigration authorities can re-detain and deport him immediately upon release.
During Thursday’s federal hearing, Justice Department attorney Jonathan Guynn revealed that ICE plans to initiate removal proceedings to a different country… though no destination or timeline was disclosed. He confirmed there are currently “no imminent plans” to deport him.
Meanwhile, Abrego Garcia’s legal team is pushing to prevent another deportation and to bring him back to Maryland. U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis has scheduled a pivotal hearing for July 7, where she will consider Garcia’s civil suit against the government over his previous unlawful deportation and rule on the DOJ’s motion to dismiss the case.
Federal prosecutors argue that releasing Abrego Garcia without immigration action could hinder their criminal case, since deportation could make him unavailable for trial. His lawyers, however, contend the government is creating its own roadblocks through its desire to deport him.
The outcome of this high-profile case could set legal precedents and is expected to gain traction across legal, immigration, and human rights circles.
