Kilmar Abrego Garcia Case: Attorneys Say Justice Department May Deport Maryland Man
Attorneys for Kilmar Abrego Garcia want their client kept in a Tennessee jail over fears the federal government may try to deport him before his trial on human smuggling charges, according to multiple outlets, casting doubt on the Justice Department's purported plans to instead try Abrego Garcia on the charges before deporting him.
Katheryn Millwee holds a portrait of Kilmar Abrego Garcia outside the federal courthouse Wednesday, ... More June 25, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV) Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
Abrego Garcia's attorneys asked the judge on Friday to extend the Maryland man's stay in jail because the Justice Department 'has made directly contradictory statements on this issue in the last 18 hours, and because we cannot put any faith in any representation made on this issue by the DOJ.'
The lawyers were referencing a statement reportedly made by a Justice Department attorney Thursday who told a judge the U.S. wants to deport Abrego Garcia deported to a 'third country'—instead of El Salvador, where he was initially deported in March.
Later, Justice Department spokesman Chad Gilmartin told the Associated Press it intended to try Abrego Garcia on the smuggling charges before any deportation was carried out.
There is not a trial date for Abrego Garcia on the federal smuggling charges.
Abrego Garcia's previously asked the Tennessee judge to order the man's return to Maryland, where he would stay with his brother, as a way to prevent his deportation, according to Politico.
Get Forbes Breaking News Text Alerts : We're launching text message alerts so you'll always know the biggest stories shaping the day's headlines. Text 'Alerts' to (201) 335-0739 or sign up here . What Are Kilmar Abrego Garcia's Charges?
Abrego Garcia was indicted by a federal grand jury on two criminal charges of conspiracy to transport aliens and unlawful transportation of undocumented aliens, counts linked to a 2022 traffic stop in which he was pulled over for speeding. Attorney General Pam Bondi alleged Abrego Garcia's activities were part of a 'full-time job.' Abrego Garcia, who was mistakenly deported in March to El Salvador, was brought back to the U.S. after the Trump administration revealed the charges. Previously, multiple Trump officials and El Salvador President Nayib Bukele insisted they did not have the power or authority to bring Abrego Garcia back to U.S. soil.
Abrego Garcia worked as a construction worker in Maryland before his deportation in March, living with his wife and three children. He was granted withholding of removal in 2019, providing him temporary protections from deportation and work authorization. The deportation protection is a crux within the lawsuit challenging his removal from the U.S., which became a flashpoint for President Donald Trump's sweeping anti-immigration agenda. The Trump administration did not charge Abrego Garcia with a crime when he was deported, arguing in the proceeding weeks his removal was justified because he was allegedly a member of the MS-13 gang. His attorneys have denied associations with the gang.
Here's How Many Times The White House Insisted Abrego Garcia Wouldn't Be Brought Back To The U.S. (Forbes)
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