Federal Judges Order Release, Return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia to Maryland

Kilmar Abrego Garcia, unlawfully deported to El Salvador by the Trump administration, has been ordered released from federal custody while awaiting trial on human smuggling charges. Two federal judges in Tennessee and Maryland ruled against the government's attempts to detain him, with Tennessee judge Waverly Crenshaw finding Garcia to be a low flight risk and not a danger to the community. Meanwhile, Maryland judge Paula Xinis barred ICE from immediately detaining Garcia upon release and ordered that he be returned to Maryland to restore his prior ICE supervision status. The court also mandated that if the government seeks to remove Garcia to a third country, they must provide 72 business hours' notice to Garcia and his attorneys. The Department of Homeland Security criticized the rulings, emphasizing Garcia's indictment for serious crimes, while Garcia’s legal team is reviewing the decisions. These rulings aim to ensure due process following the wrongful deportation and prolonged detention of Garcia in El Salvador.