Judges Question DOJ Deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia

Two federal judges have intervened in the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran migrant previously wrongfully deported and returned, who faces pending human-smuggling charges in Tennessee. In Tennessee, U.S. District Judge Waverly Crenshaw ordered DOJ and DHS employees be warned against making prejudicial public statements—singling out Attorney General Pam Bondi and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem—and directed government counsel to distribute the court’s memorandum after finding officials’ comments “exaggerated if not simply inaccurate.” In Maryland, U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis pressed Justice Department attorneys over plans to remove Abrego Garcia to Liberia as soon as Friday, asking why the government would pursue an African removal when his lawyers say Costa Rica is a viable preferred destination. DOJ attorneys acknowledged discussing multiple African countries, including Liberia, Uganda, Ghana and Eswatini, and signaled a willingness to effectuate removal, prompting judicial skepticism that deportation timing could undercut evidentiary hearings and prosecution efforts. Abrego Garcia denies the charges, and judges warned that prejudicial public comments and premature removal could materially prejudice his right to a fair trial.