Overview

• Judge Paula Xinis criticized the Justice Department’s refusal to specify where and how ICE plans to deport Kilmar Abrego Garcia and set a hearing for detailed testimony.
• Garcia remains in federal custody in Tennessee on human smuggling charges after being returned in early June under a Supreme Court mandate following his wrongful March deportation to El Salvador.
• ICE Assistant Director Thomas Giles has identified Mexico and South Sudan as potential third-country destinations, though the administration has not finalized any decision.
• Defense attorneys have requested a 72-hour hold to ensure Garcia can contest any deportation order and safeguard his procedural rights before removal.
• The dispute underscores tensions between federal courts and the Trump administration over use of the Alien Enemies Act and authority to expel migrants to third countries.