Overview
- DHS and ICE notified the court that Liberia agreed to receive Ábrego García, with the earliest potential removal date set for Oct. 31.
- At a status conference, Judge Paula Xinis secured the Justice Department’s commitment to honor her injunction prohibiting removal.
- Xinis pressed government lawyers on why they are not pursuing Costa Rica, which the defense says presents a clear pathway for removal.
- Defense counsel said confidential Liberian assurances were inadequate and possibly time-limited, and ICE plans to interview Ábrego García on his stated fear of deportation to Liberia.
- Ábrego García also faces human-smuggling charges in Tennessee, where a judge found a realistic likelihood of vindictive prosecution and an evidentiary hearing is scheduled next week.