Maryland Judge Orders ICE to Release Man Held Without Removal Order

Overview

• U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis found ICE was holding Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia without a lawful removal order and directed his immediate release.
• Attorney Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg confirmed his client has been freed from ICE custody.
• DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaffrin criticized the decision as judicial activism and said the order lacks foundation.
• Abrego Garcia was erroneously deported to El Salvador in March, returned in June, was arrested in Tennessee on human‑trafficking allegations, and later detained again by ICE after conditional release.
• Before the court’s intervention, officials were pursuing his removal to another country, with reports referencing plans involving four African nations and a willingness from Costa Rica to accept him.