Judge Orders Immediate Release of Kilmar Abrego Garcia from Detention
BREAKING: A federal judge in Maryland has ordered the immediate release of Kilmar Abrego Garcia from immigration detention, allowing him to challenge his deportation in court. The decision, announced on December 11, marks a significant victory for Garcia, who has faced a tumultuous journey through the immigration system.
U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis ruled that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) must release Garcia from custody without delay. The ruling comes after the judge determined that Garcia’s detention lacked lawful authority. “Since Abrego Garcia’s return from wrongful detention in El Salvador, he has been re-detained, again without lawful authority,” Judge Xinis stated.
Garcia’s case has garnered public attention, particularly due to his prior deportation to El Salvador in March, which he argues put him at risk from gang violence targeting his family. An immigration judge had previously found that Garcia could not be deported back to El Salvador for this reason. His legal battle has become a focal point for those opposing the current administration’s strict immigration policies.
Garcia, a Salvadoran national with an American wife and child, has lived in Maryland for several years after immigrating to the U.S. illegally as a teenager. His recent legal struggles include a lawsuit against the Trump administration, claiming that they are using the deportation process to retaliate against him for the embarrassment caused by his earlier wrongful deportation.
In addition to his immigration issues, Garcia is facing separate criminal charges in federal court in Tennessee, where he has pleaded not guilty to accusations of human smuggling. He has filed a motion to dismiss these charges, asserting that the prosecution is vindictive.
The Justice Department has yet to comment on the judge’s order, and inquiries were made to both the department and Garcia’s attorney, Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg, for further information.
As this situation develops, it underscores the ongoing complexities and human impact of U.S. immigration policies. Garcia’s next steps include petitioning to reopen his immigration case to seek asylum in the United States.
Stay tuned for more updates on this urgent legal matter as it unfolds.
