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Justice Dept. Says Liberia Will Take Abrego Garcia, With Removal Targeted for Oct. 31

A federal judge has paused any transfer pending a ruling on his detention after weeks of shifting government plans.

Overview

  • Government lawyers told a Maryland court that Liberia agreed to accept Kilmar Abrego Garcia and that DHS has received diplomatic assurances about treatment there.
  • Officials said they plan to formally designate Liberia as the country of removal and could move as early as Oct. 31, according to the filing.
  • U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis has barred removal for now and is weighing whether continued ICE detention is lawful given the changing plans.
  • Testimony showed Uganda, Eswatini and Ghana declined prior U.S. requests to take him, while Abrego Garcia’s lawyers say Costa Rica has offered protected status and is his preferred destination.
  • Abrego Garcia remains detained in Pennsylvania as he contests human‑smuggling charges in Tennessee, with a November evidentiary hearing set on his claim of vindictive prosecution.