Kilmar Abrego Garcia Released from Immigration Detention Amid Legal Battle

Sat Dec 13 2025 17:10:50 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran national, has been released from immigration detention following a judge's ruling that blocks further deportation attempts. This case highlights ongoing issues surrounding immigration policies and their implications.

Kilmar Abrego Garcia, whose wrongful deportation sparked national uproar against the Trump administration's immigration policies, was released from detention on Thursday after a federal judge's ruling. The judge noted procedural errors in previous deportation orders which hinder further deportation attempts. Abrego Garcia continues to fight potential deportation and faces human smuggling charges.

BALTIMORE (AP) — In a significant victory for Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran national, he was released from immigration detention on Thursday. This release follows a federal judge's ruling that temporarily blocks any efforts to detain him further, marking a pivotal moment in a contentious legal battle stemming from his wrongful deportation.

Abrego Garcia, who has established roots in the U.S. with an American wife and child, found himself embroiled in legal challenges after he was mistakenly deported to El Salvador earlier this year, despite a 2019 court ruling that acknowledged his legitimate fear of danger if returned to his home country.

Despite being barred from returning to El Salvador, Abrego Garcia now faces the possibility of deportation to various countries including Uganda and Liberia as the Trump administration has continued to pursue his removal. His attorneys argue that these actions constitute retaliation for his successful challenge to the government's earlier deportation efforts.

Background on Kilmar Abrego Garcia

Garcia entered the U.S. illegally as a teenager to join his brother and had been granted temporary protection from deportation, yet bureaucratic failures led to his involuntary return to dangerous conditions in El Salvador. His legal journey underscores broader themes of injustice and misapplication of immigration laws.

Judicial Rulings and Implications

Garcia's legal ordeal has drawn attention to the complexity and, at times, the failures of the U.S. immigration system. U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis determined that earlier rulings did not adequately establish a final deportation order, allowing Garcia to remain in the U.S. for now.

Despite his release, Garcia must remain vigilant; he's under a temporary restraining order which prohibits his immediate detention. However, there is a looming prospect of reviewing his case in immigration court, where the outcomes can be unpredictable.

Continued Legal Struggles

Alongside his immigration plight, Garcia is also facing human smuggling charges in Tennessee arising from a traffic stop. He has pleaded not guilty to these allegations, arguing that the charges may be politically motivated retaliation related to his immigration challenges.

Next Steps

As the situation develops, Garcia's legal team is prepared for continued court battles, either seeking asylum or other forms of legal relief while concurrently addressing the smuggling charges. As the case progresses, it remains to be seen what impact this legal saga will have on ongoing debates about immigration policy in the United States.