Federal judge temporarily bars Abrego Garcia from deportation to Uganda
A federal judge in Maryland has intervened to prevent the immediate deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia to Uganda by the Trump administration. Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran migrant, was taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials, prompting his attorney, Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg, to file an emergency motion to halt his removal from the U.S.
The new filing seeks to ensure that Abrego Garcia’s immigration case follows due process, including the right to a reasonable fear interview before being deported to a third country. Judge Paula Xinis has indicated that she will swiftly consider the emergency request, with a potential evidentiary hearing scheduled for Friday.
Xinis expressed concerns about the Trump administration’s plans to deport Abrego Garcia to Uganda, citing a lack of assurances from the East African nation regarding his protection and freedom. She highlighted the contrast between an offer for Abrego Garcia to be sent to Costa Rica as a free individual in exchange for pleading guilty to criminal charges, and the uncertainty surrounding his potential deportation to Uganda.
The judge emphasized the need for clarity on the protections Abrego Garcia would have in Uganda, particularly in light of the country’s lack of guarantees against refoulement or return to El Salvador. She directed the administration to keep Abrego Garcia in the same ICE detention center in Virginia to prevent any further attempts to remove him.
As the legal battle continues, it remains to be seen how the Trump administration will address the court’s concerns and whether Abrego Garcia will ultimately be deported to Uganda or another country. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
