Deportation Fears Halt Abrego Garcia’s Release, Judge Cites Conflicting Statements

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A federal judge in Tennessee ruled Monday to keep Kilmar Abrego Garcia in jail, delaying his release amidst escalating concerns from his legal team that he could be swiftly deported before facing trial on human smuggling charges.

Abrego Garcia’s attorneys requested the delay, citing what they described as “contradictory statements” from the Trump administration regarding their client’s fate. Lawyers expressed a lack of faith in representations from the Justice Department, despite a spokesman indicating an intent to try Abrego Garcia on smuggling charges before any deportation.

This stance starkly contrasts with earlier comments from a Justice Department attorney in Maryland, who stated plans to deport Abrego Garcia to a “third country” with no clear timeline. The defense fears immediate deportation, which they believe would prevent their client from adequately defending himself against what they call “preposterous” charges.

Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran national, became a focal point of Trump’s immigration policies after being mistakenly deported in March. He was subsequently returned to the U U.S. this month under Supreme Court order to face the smuggling allegations. His attorneys contend the administration brought him back to secure a public conviction before deportation.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Barbara Holmes in Nashville had previously ruled on June 22 that prosecutors failed to prove Abrego Garcia was a flight risk or danger. While she set release conditions on June 25, she postponed his release due to the inability of federal prosecutors to guarantee he wouldn’t be deported by ICE, an agency over which they lack jurisdiction. A July 16 hearing is scheduled to consider a prosecutorial request to revoke his release order while he awaits trial.

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