A federal judge in Maryland has ensured that a Salvadoran man at the centre of a contentious immigration case will remain free until at least the end of December. The judge demanded more clarity from the US government regarding its intentions to detain or deport him again.
Court Seeks Answers on Detention Plans
Judge Paula Xinis, presiding in a Greenbelt, Maryland court, has ordered the US Department of Justice to provide additional details about its plans for Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia. She established a legal schedule that extends through December 30, effectively blocking any immediate action against him. For the first time, Abrego Garcia attended the hearing on Monday morning as a free man, not in custody, as he battles both criminal charges and deportation proceedings.
His lawyer, Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg, was sharply critical of the government's stance following the hearing. "It’s clear that the government is willing to do whatever it takes to put this man back in a detention centre," Sandoval-Moshenberg stated.
A Contentious Legal Battle Over Deportation
The case gained national attention in March when Abrego Garcia filed a high-profile lawsuit. He challenged his accidental deportation to a notorious prison in El Salvador, an action that was part of a broader, controversial mass deportation programme. After being returned to the United States, he was then charged with human-smuggling offences.
Abrego Garcia and his legal team argue these charges are direct retaliation for his earlier lawsuit. They further contend that US officials are now threatening to deport him once more as punishment for his refusal to enter a quick guilty plea.
Confusion and Allegations of Bad Faith
Judge Xinis had originally ordered Garcia's release earlier in December, citing a lack of legal justification for his detention. She extended that order at Monday's hearing. A point of significant confusion arose when attorneys revealed that upon his release, Abrego Garcia was given an order of supervision—a document typically issued when a final deportation order is in place.
However, government attorney Ernesto Molina told the court that no such final removal order exists and the document was provided by mistake. Judge Xinis responded with clear frustration, warning the government to "be careful what you write." She added, "Once again I am making a finding that these representations that are misrepresentations are in bad faith."
The hearing drew dozens of supporters who gathered outside the courthouse. Amid heightened security, they held signs with messages like "Justice for Kilmar" and "Stop kidnapping my neighbours!" to greet Abrego Garcia in the afternoon.
Helen Kaiser, a volunteer with Bend The Arc: Jewish Action of Maryland, called his detention an injustice. "We are here to defend him," Kaiser said. "We have to stand up in this case and cases like it all over the country." The case continues to highlight deep tensions in US immigration policy and enforcement.
