Federal Judge Criticizes DOJ for Withholding Kilmar Abrego Garcia Deportation Plans

A federal judge in Maryland sharply criticized the Trump administration for its failure to clarify deportation plans for Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran national facing human smuggling charges, expressing concern he could be deported before his trial without due process. Abrego Garcia was wrongfully deported to El Salvador in March despite a 2019 immigration judge's order protecting him due to credible threats from gang violence, a decision that became a contentious issue under President Donald Trump's immigration policies. Although the administration alleges Abrego Garcia's involvement with the MS-13 gang, he has denied the claim and was never charged. Following mounting legal pressure and a Supreme Court order, the administration returned him to the U.S. to face charges but now argues he poses a danger and can be deported to a country other than El Salvador before trial. Abrego Garcia's attorneys have requested a court order requiring his transfer to Maryland if released from Tennessee and sought a 72-hour hold to prevent immediate deportation, emphasizing the need to protect his due process rights. The judge has yet to issue a ruling but indicated it would come promptly to ensure safeguards against premature deportation.