Overview

• Kilmar Abrego Garcia has remained in custody since his June 7 return to the U.S. to face federal human smuggling charges stemming from a 2022 Tennessee traffic stop.
• U.S. Magistrate Judge Barbara Holmes ruled he is eligible for release pending trial but warned that ICE will likely detain him immediately under removal proceedings.
• On June 26 Justice Department attorney Jonathan Guynn informed U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis that immigration officials intend to deport Abrego Garcia to a third country after his release, with no set timetable.
• Abrego Garcia’s legal team filed an emergency motion in Maryland seeking a court order to transfer him to their jurisdiction to block potential deportation before trial.
• U.S. District Judge Waverly Crenshaw, Jr. rebuked the government’s internal coordination and scheduled a July 16 evidentiary hearing on the prosecution’s bid to stay the release order.