🔗 Share this article Federal Judge Mandates Freedom of Kilmar Abrego Garcia from ICE Custody A federal judge has ruled the prompt discharge of Kilmar Abrego Garcia from immigration custody, finding his ongoing confinement is without lawful basis. "Since Abrego Garcia's release after wrongful imprisonment in El Salvador, he has been taken back into custody, again without legal justification," Judge Paula Xinis stated in her ruling. The situation originates in a mistaken removal to El Salvador earlier this year, which US authorities later admitted was an error. Following his return to the United States to face human smuggling charges, he was held in federal custody. In her decision, the judge noted that the authorities does not have a current deportation order, which effectively blocks them from removing Mr. Abrego Garcia "at this time." Context of the Case The court proceedings center on conflicting assertions. While the former administration argues that Abrego Garcia is a member of the MS-13 gang, he categorically denies this allegation. He has also entered a not guilty plea to the smuggling counts, which are part of a separate criminal case in the state of Tennessee. Conditions of Freedom The court, who was overseeing his challenge to removal in a Maryland district court, determined that he must now adhere to the terms of his release from custody in Tennessee. This decision shifts his monitoring to the Tennessee court. This ruling represents a notable development in a complex immigration battle involving allegations of wrongful detention and contested criminal associations.