No ICE Decision on Abrego Garcia Deportation

Federal authorities have not yet decided where Salvadoran national Kilmar Abrego Garcia will be deported if released from pretrial detention in Tennessee, where he faces human smuggling charges. A 2019 court order prohibits his deportation to El Salvador due to gang violence threats, but the Trump administration is considering sending him to third countries such as Mexico or South Sudan. Abrego Garcia's attorneys have requested a 72-hour hold to prevent immediate removal and ensure due process, particularly with regard to notification of the destination country. The Justice Department has agreed not to remove him to El Salvador without first reopening his case, but his legal team remains concerned about possible swift deportation elsewhere. Judge Paula Xinis has criticized the administration's lack of transparency and is expected to issue a ruling before Wednesday's hearing on his release. The case highlights broader concerns about due process and immigration enforcement under the Trump administration.