Abrego Garcia May Be Deported to Third Country Despite Judge’s Order
A shocking twist in a high-profile immigration case has set off a political firestorm. Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a 30-year-old Salvadoran national accused of being a ranking MS-13 gang member, walked out of a Tennessee jail Friday — but his newfound freedom may be short-lived.
Abrego Garcia was released under strict home detention conditions after U.S. Magistrate Judge Barbara Holmes ruled in his favor. The decision has ignited fierce criticism from Trump administration officials, who argue that letting a confirmed gang member roam free endangers American communities.
A Judge’s Controversial Ruling
Judge Holmes’ order allowed Garcia to return to his family in Maryland, provided he wear an ankle monitor and remain on home confinement. His movements are limited to work, church, and approved activities. His legal team even arranged private security to transport him safely from Tennessee to Maryland after Holmes signed the release order.
Garcia’s attorney, Sean Hecker, celebrated the ruling as a major win. “Today, Kilmar Abrego Garcia is free. He is presently en route to his family in Maryland, after being unlawfully arrested and deported, and then imprisoned, all because of the government’s vindictive attack on a man who had the courage to fight back,” Hecker said.
The Trump Administration Strikes Back
Not so fast, says the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Officials have notified Garcia’s lawyers that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) intends to deport him — and not back to El Salvador, but to an undisclosed third country. According to Fox News’ Bill Melugin, the deportation could take place “no earlier than 72 hours from now.”
Why a third country? In March, Garcia was mistakenly deported to El Salvador, where he ended up in the notorious CECOT mega-prison alongside violent gang leaders. DHS later admitted this was an “administrative error,” but maintained that Garcia had been verified as an MS-13 gang leader by “a proven and reliable source.”
Who Is Kilmar Abrego Garcia?
The case against Garcia is grim. A federal grand jury indicted him for conspiracy and unlawful transport of migrants after he was caught in a 2022 traffic stop with eight passengers crammed into his vehicle. Prosecutors allege Garcia has ties to human trafficking and domestic violence.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem didn’t mince words. “Activist liberal judges have attempted to obstruct our law enforcement every step of the way in removing the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens from our country,” Noem said on X. She blasted Holmes’ decision as reckless:
“By ordering this monster loose on America’s streets, this judge has shown a complete disregard for the safety of the American people. We will not stop fighting till this Salvadoran man faces justice and is OUT of our country.”
The White House echoed that sentiment, calling his release an “insult.” Spokesperson Abigail Jackson stated, “Abrego Garcia is a criminal illegal alien, wife-beater, and an MS-13 gang member facing serious charges of human smuggling. He will face justice for his crimes.”
What Happens Next?
With El Salvador now off the table, DHS is exploring “third countries” willing to accept Garcia. While officials have not disclosed specifics, experts speculate these could include nations with existing U.S. repatriation agreements.
The Trump administration has made clear it is prioritizing public safety and zero tolerance for gang-linked migrants. “Under President Trump, we are done playing games. No activist judge will stop us from protecting Americans,” one DHS official told Conservative Brief.
This case underscores the larger clash between federal immigration enforcement and judicial authority. Critics accuse judges of undermining national security, while defenders argue the Constitution demands due process, even for noncitizens.
As the clock ticks on Garcia’s 72-hour notice period, one thing is certain: This fight is far from over. Will DHS succeed in deporting him — and if so, where will he land? Stay tuned for updates.
Tags: MS-13, Immigration, DHS, Trump Administration, Deportation, Crime
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