In a recent court hearing in Maryland, U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis sought assurances from the government that Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran national, would not be deported to Liberia before she lifts an injunction preventing his removal. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) had announced plans to deport Abrego Garcia to Liberia as early as Friday, marking the latest in a series of African countries considered for his deportation. Abrego Garcia, who has lived in Maryland for years with his American wife and child, initially entered the U.S. illegally as a teenager. In 2019, an immigration judge granted him protection from deportation to El Salvador, where he faces a credible threat of gang violence. Earlier this year, his mistaken deportation to El Salvador, where he was detained in a notorious prison despite having no criminal record, sparked public outrage and led to his return to the U.S. in June. During the hearing, Judge Xinis questioned why the government is not deporting Abrego Garcia to Costa Rica, a country he is willing to go to, rather than Liberia. She noted the significant resources being expended in the legal battle over his deportation. Government attorneys did not provide a clear answer but indicated that details might be included in an upcoming court filing. Abrego Garcia’s attorney, Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg, expressed concerns about the assurances provided by the Liberian government, hinting that they might only agree to host him temporarily. The case highlights ongoing controversies over the Trump administration’s deportation agreements with third countries, which advocacy groups argue violate due process rights. Meanwhile, Abrego Garcia has applied for asylum in the U.S. and faces separate charges of human smuggling in Tennessee, which he denies.
Judge seeks assurances that Abrego Garcia won’t be deported to Liberia in violation of court order
