GREENBELT, Md. – A federal judge in Maryland raised concerns about the government's intentions regarding the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia. The judge seeks assurances that Garcia will not be deported before an injunction preventing his removal is lifted.
This latest legal development follows the government's announcement that it plans to deport Garcia to Liberia as early as Friday. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has considered Garcia’s deportation to several African nations, citing various logistical challenges and political agreements.
Garcia, who immigrated to the U.S. illegally as a teenager from El Salvador, has lived in Maryland for years, where he has an American wife and child. He was previously granted protection from removal due to threats he faces from gangs in El Salvador. His past deportation attempt in 2021, which mistakenly sent him to El Salvador instead of Liberia, sparked significant public outcry over the Trump administration's immigration policies.
During a recent status conference, U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis questioned the government attorneys on why they were pursuing deportation to Liberia when Garcia had expressed willingness to be sent to Costa Rica, a country that has assured him he would be treated as a legal immigrant.
“Any insight you can shed on why we’re continuing this hearing when you could deport him to a third country tomorrow?” the judge asked, highlighting the costs and resources involved in the current legal battle.
Government attorneys did not provide a definitive answer but suggested that further details would be included in upcoming court filings. In the meantime, ICE is preparing to interview Garcia regarding his fears of deportation back to Liberia.
Advocacy groups have raised concerns about deportation agreements with third countries, arguing that the agreements violate due process rights and risk sending immigrants to countries with poor human rights records.
As this case continues, Garcia also faces criminal charges in Tennessee related to human smuggling, charges he has pleaded not guilty to. A hearing to dismiss these charges is scheduled for next week, which has raised speculation about a potential connection between these proceedings and the deportation plans.
Garcia has also filed for asylum in the United States, further complicating the legal landscape surrounding his status and future in the country.
