US Judge Halts Release of Abrego Garcia Amid Deportation Concerns

US Judge Blocks Release of Abrego Garcia Over Deportation Fears

A US federal judge has temporarily halted the release of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran national accused of human smuggling, due to concerns raised by his legal team that he might be deported before his trial.

Background

Despite an earlier ruling approving his release with conditions, including living with his brother in Maryland, the judge paused the order following conflicting statements from the government regarding his immigration status.

Abrego Garcia's lawyers expressed a lack of trust in government assurances against deportation, citing contradictions in official statements. While one DOJ spokesperson stated Abrego Garcia would be tried before any deportation, another indicated plans to deport him to a "third country," not El Salvador.

Earlier this year, Abrego Garcia was mistakenly deported to El Salvador despite a court order protecting him. He was later returned to the US and pleaded not guilty to smuggling charges related to a 2022 traffic stop in Tennessee.

A hearing is scheduled for July 16 to determine whether prosecutors can revoke the release order. Abrego Garcia remains in federal custody in Nashville.