Federal Judge Weighs Release of Immigrant Facing Controversial Deportation

Fri Nov 21 2025 08:13:44 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A Maryland federal judge considers the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, whose deportation has sparked debate over U.S. immigration policy. With pending requests for asylum and questions of legality, the situation highlights ongoing tensions surrounding immigration enforcement.

Kilmar Abrego Garcia, previously mistakenly deported to El Salvador, is awaiting a federal judge's ruling on his release from immigration custody. His case raises complex legal questions regarding deportation procedures, asylum requests, and potential retaliatory actions by immigration authorities.

On Thursday, a federal judge in Maryland, Paula Xinis, indicated she would make a ruling soon on whether to release Kilmar Abrego Garcia from immigration custody. Garcia's case has gained attention due to what has been described as a mistaken deportation to El Salvador earlier this year, which contravened a court settlement.

Since his return in June, the government has attempted to deport him to various African nations despite his attorneys arguing that this action is a punitive response to their admission of an earlier error. Garcia’s legal team asserts that he should not be in custody without a final order of removal.

Judge Xinis's injunction currently prevents Garcia's immediate deportation. The government has requested the judge to lift this injunction to pursue Garcia's removal to Liberia, but attests that removal to Costa Rica—a country that previously consented to accept him—is not an option at the moment.

Garcia's situation is further complicated by his long-term residence in the U.S. and family ties; he lives in Maryland with his American wife and child. He immigrated illegally from El Salvador as a teenager and had been granted protection from deportation due to the dangers he faced in his home country.

Garcia’s attorneys argue that the attempts to deport him to countries in Africa, rather than to Costa Rica, seem retaliatory rather than procedural. They emphasize the lack of a legitimate basis for his continued detention as they prepare a new petition for asylum in the U.S.

After the hearing, attorney Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg highlighted inconsistencies in the government’s rationale, noting their failure to clarify why Costa Rica cannot accept him. He expressed concern over the seeming retaliatory nature of the government's actions, questioning the necessity of Garcia's extended detention.

As the case unfolds, it reflects broader national debates over immigration enforcement strategies and the treatment of individuals within the system. Judge Xinis acknowledged the weight of the issues at hand, indicating a swift ruling while recognizing the complexities involved.