CRIME & LAW

Federal judge orders release in high-profile deportation case

PUBLISHED Dec 11, 2025, 11:01 AM ET

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Media Bias Meter

Sources: 12

Center 100%

Sources: 12

Washington, A federal judge on Thursday ordered immediate release of Kilmar Abrego Garcia from Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody after finding officials lacked legal authority to detain following his wrongful March deportation to El Salvador. U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis granted his habeas petition, concluded no final removal order existed, and blocked transfer to third countries. Abrego Garcia returned to the U.S. in June to face human-smuggling charges and has pleaded not guilty. DHS said it would continue legal efforts. He left custody Thursday in Baltimore and must report Friday this week. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.

By Sidra | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

2019: An immigration judge issued protection preventing deportation to El Salvador.
March: Abrego Garcia was wrongfully deported to El Salvador and detained there.
June: U.S. authorities returned Abrego Garcia to the United States to face human-smuggling charges.
October: Court filings indicated the government planned third-country removals, including Liberia.
December 11: Judge Paula Xinis granted habeas relief and ordered Abrego Garcia's immediate release.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 12
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 12
Distribution:: Left 0%, Center 100%, Right 0%

Who Benefited

Kilmar Abrego Garcia, his legal team, and immigrant-rights organizations benefited from Judge Paula Xinis's ruling because it secured his immediate release, prevented imminent removal without a removal order, and reinforced judicial oversight of ICE detention procedures.

Who Impacted

The Department of Homeland Security and ICE faced operational and legal setbacks, including halted removal plans and intensified judicial scrutiny, as a result of the court's finding that detention lacked lawful authority.