Overview

• U.S. Magistrate Judge Barbara Holmes ordered Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s release, with private transport taking him from Tennessee to Maryland under electronic monitoring and home detention.
• Abrego Garcia has pleaded not guilty to a two‑count human‑smuggling indictment tied to a 2022 Tennessee traffic stop, with trial scheduled to begin in January.
• U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis barred immediate ICE custody in Tennessee, required restoration to Baltimore ICE supervision, and mandated three business days’ notice before any removal move.
• ICE officials have floated third‑country deportation options such as Mexico or South Sudan, though any action must follow the Maryland court’s notice and supervision order.
• Defense lawyers filed a motion to dismiss alleging vindictive and selective prosecution following his March deportation to El Salvador and June court‑ordered return to the U.S.