NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A critical hearing regarding the immigration situation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia is set for Friday as federal judges in Maryland and Tennessee deliberate on the government's treatment of Garcia. Notably, Garcia's deportation to El Salvador, which was performed in error, has ignited significant backlash against the immigration policies of the Trump administration and its mass deportation agenda.
In Maryland, Garcia argues against efforts from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to deport him to a third country, Eswatini, after it was revealed that a prior order prohibits his return to El Salvador. U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis has mandated government officials to provide information about the steps they have taken regarding Garcia's deportation to Eswatini or any alternative country.
Garcia's attorneys claim that the current administration is misusing the immigration process as a means of punishment related to the blunders involving his deportation. Furthermore, similar accusations have arisen in Tennessee, where criminal charges of human smuggling were brought against Garcia the same day he returned to the U.S. from El Salvador. A judge in Tennessee suggested that this prosecution may constitute illegal retaliation, following Garcia's successful lawsuit against the Trump administration.
The initial smuggling charges stem from a traffic stop in 2022 where Garcia was not charged, with investigations beginning only after his wife filed a lawsuit regarding his deportation. At this Friday's hearing, the focus will be on the types of documents that Garcia's legal team can access as they build their case for retaliation.
Trump administration officials have battled a pervasive narrative around Garcia, labeling him as connected to criminal activity despite his lack of any convictions.
