Tennessee Judge Orders Release of Abrego Garcia

A Tennessee federal judge, Barbara Holmes, has ordered the release of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland man and Salvadoran national who was mistakenly deported to El Salvador by the Trump administration, while he awaits trial on federal human smuggling charges stemming from a 2022 traffic stop. Despite the release order, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) plans to immediately detain Abrego Garcia, potentially deporting him again before trial. Judge Holmes criticized the reliability of the government's evidence and stressed Abrego Garcia’s right to due process, finding no proof that he poses a flight risk or danger. The Justice Department has appealed the decision and requested a stay of the release order. The case has gained national attention amid ongoing immigration debates and has sparked public protests and scrutiny over due process for non-citizens. A hearing is scheduled for Wednesday to determine the conditions of Abrego Garcia's release and the next steps.