Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a 30-year-old immigrant from El Salvador, celebrates a major legal victory. A federal judge mandates his immediate release from ICE custody. This decision ends months of wrongful detention.
Background of the Case
Garcia entered the United States illegally about 15 years ago. He built a life in Maryland for over a decade. However, the Trump administration accused him of ties to the MS-13 gang, which he strongly denies.
Authorities deported Garcia to El Salvador in March 2025 by mistake. They ignored a protection order due to violence fears in his home country. The case reached the Supreme Court, and officials brought him back to the US in June.
Upon return, the Justice Department charged him with human smuggling in Tennessee. Garcia pleaded not guilty. A judge there allowed his release pending trial.Yet ICE detained him again in Maryland. They planned to deport him to countries like Uganda or Ghana, where he has no connections. Additionally officials misled the court about deportation options.
The Judge’s Ruling
U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis issued the order on December 11, 2025. She ruled that ICE held Garcia without lawful authority. Therefore, she demanded his immediate release from the Pennsylvania facility. Xinis criticized the government for misleading statements. She stated officials cannot detain him indefinitely while he fights deportation.
Future Implications
Garcia returns to his Maryland home temporarily. Meanwhile he follows strict pre-trial conditions, including house arrest and electronic monitoring.90befeThis ruling highlights issues in immigration enforcement. It sets a precedent against unlawful detentions. However Garcia’s criminal trial continues, and his immigration status remains uncertain.
