Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a high-profile immigrant whose case became a symbol of former President Donald Trump’s strict immigration policies, has been released from US immigration detention and returned to his home in Maryland following a federal court ruling.

Federal Judge Orders Immediate Release

On Thursday, US District Judge Paula Xinis ordered Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to release Abrego Garcia immediately, declaring that federal authorities had detained him without any legal basis. Abrego Garcia, who has lived in Maryland for years under protected legal status, had previously been wrongfully deported to El Salvador in March 2025.

Judge Xinis’ ruling emphasized that the government cannot detain a person indefinitely without lawful justification, highlighting serious procedural issues in the handling of Abrego Garcia’s case.

Background: Abrego Garcia’s Legal Struggle

Abrego Garcia originally moved to the United States without documentation as a teenager. Since 2019, he has lived in Maryland with his American wife and children under protected status after a court determined he could face harm in his home country from gang violence.

During the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown, Abrego Garcia was deported to El Salvador and later detained upon his court-ordered return to the US. Authorities attempted to deport him to other countries, including several in Africa, rather than allowing him to return home, making his case a focal point of national immigration debates.

Government Response: DHS Appeals

The Department of Homeland Security criticized Judge Xinis’ ruling, describing it as “naked judicial activism,” and announced it intends to appeal. Tricia McLaughlin, DHS assistant secretary, stated, “This order lacks any valid legal basis, and we will continue to fight this tooth and nail in the courts.”

Abrego Garcia’s lawyer, Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg, acknowledged that the legal battle is far from over, noting that the government retains several legal avenues to continue efforts to deport his client. He added, “Kilmar has already endured more than anyone should ever have to, and we are prepared to fight for a fair process.”

Ongoing Legal Battles

In addition to challenges over his detention and deportation, Abrego Garcia has filed a federal lawsuit claiming that the government has targeted him vindictively due to the public attention his case received.

Since returning to the US, Abrego Garcia faces separate charges related to alleged human smuggling from a 2022 traffic stop, which he has pleaded not guilty to. His attorney is preparing motions to dismiss the charges, arguing that the prosecution is retaliatory.

Judge Xinis also criticized the Trump administration for misleading the court, including falsely asserting that Costa Rica had withdrawn an offer to accept Abrego Garcia, despite his willingness to resettle there if necessary.

Abrego Garcia has additionally petitioned to reopen his immigration case to seek asylum in the United States, continuing his prolonged legal struggle.