Federal Judge Questions Deportation Plans for Kilmar Abrego Garcia

Sun Nov 30 2025 22:59:33 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a recent hearing, a federal judge expressed concerns over the government's plans to deport Kilmar Abrego Garcia to Liberia amid ongoing legal proceedings related to his asylum status.

A federal judge in Maryland emphasized the need for assurance that Kilmar Abrego Garcia will not be deported to Liberia while an injunction is in place. The court discussed the complexities surrounding his deportation, given his prolonged residence in the U.S. and the pending asylum application. Attorneys are preparing for interviews regarding fears of his treatment in Liberia, as advocacy groups challenge U.S. deportation agreements with third countries.

GREENBELT, Md. (AP) — A federal judge in Maryland on Monday sought assurances that Kilmar Abrego Garcia would not be deported to Liberia before lifting an existing injunction that restricts his removal from the U.S.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) recently filed a notice indicating plans to deport Garcia as early as Friday to Liberia, citing a series of African nations as possible destinations for the Salvadoran national, who has been residing in Maryland with his American wife and child.

Garcia immigrated illegally as a teenager and had previously been granted protection from deportation following a 2019 ruling by an immigration judge based on his credible fear of gang violence in El Salvador.

During the hearing, U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis questioned the rationale behind deporting Garcia when he expressed willingness to go to Costa Rica instead, a country that has assured his acceptance as a legal immigrant.

Judge Xinis challenged government attorneys on their motives, stressing the potential waste of resources in pursuing a case against Garcia as they simultaneously attempt to deport him.

Attorneys representing Garcia have raised concerns regarding guarantees from the Liberian government, suggesting they received insufficient assurances about his treatment there, raising ongoing human rights concerns linked to the country.

The judge acknowledged the complexity of Garcia's situation while expressing dissatisfaction with the government's handling of the case, hinting at potential coordination between the deportation plan and ongoing criminal proceedings against Garcia for alleged human smuggling.

As the legal battles continue, Garcia maintains his position in seeking asylum in the U.S., with a hearing on his motion to dismiss the charges scheduled for the following week.