Trump DOJ Agrees to 30-Day Stay for Abrego Garcia in US Custody

Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran national and accused gang member who was mistakenly deported from the U.S. due to an administrative error by the Trump administration, has secured a 30-day stay allowing him to remain in U.S. federal custody while he evaluates his legal options. This agreement, supported by the Justice Department, delays the administration’s plans to deport him to a third country such as Mexico or South Sudan despite his pending criminal trial in Tennessee. Federal prosecutors confirmed the delay would not hinder trial preparations or affect the January 27, 2026 trial date, with continued discovery production and scheduling collaboration planned. The decision follows earlier indications from the Trump administration that Abrego Garcia would be immediately placed in ICE custody and deported upon release, regardless of his ongoing criminal case. His case has drawn criticism due to his erroneous removal in March and subsequent return to the U.S. in June after judicial intervention. The 30-day stay represents a rare concession from the Trump administration amid ongoing legal uncertainty regarding his immigration and criminal proceedings.