CRIME & LAW

Judge Considers Whether Abrego Garcia Returns To Custody

PUBLISHED Dec 22, 2025, 12:35 AM ET

Read, Watch or Listen

Judge Considers Whether Abrego Garcia Returns To Custody

Media Bias Meter

Sources: 6

Left 17%

Center 83%

Sources: 6

Greenbelt, Maryland — U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis held hearings this week over whether Kilmar Abrego Garcia, mistakenly deported to El Salvador in March and released from ICE custody, should be returned to immigration detention. The government must file a brief by Dec. 26 explaining legal authority to re-detain him; his lawyers may reply by Dec. 30. A temporary restraining order remains in effect, and a Tennessee judge postponed a January trial pending an evidentiary hearing on selective and vindictive prosecution claims. Supporters called for his continued release and family reunification. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

By Mahnoor A. | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

March: Abrego Garcia was mistakenly deported to El Salvador and detained there.
August: U.S. immigration authorities held Abrego Garcia in detention while considering removal to multiple countries.
Early December: Judge Paula Xinis ordered Abrego Garcia released from ICE custody.
Dec. 22: Xinis held a hearing and extended a temporary restraining order; government ordered to file brief by Dec. 26.
Jan. 28 (scheduled): Tennessee evidentiary hearing to address allegations of vindictive and selective prosecution.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 6
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 1
Neutral:: 5
Distribution:: Left 17%, Center 83%, Right 0%

Who Benefited

Kilmar Abrego Garcia and his immediate family benefited from a temporary restraining order that allowed him to remain free and home for the holidays while courts examine the government's authority to re-detain him.

Who Impacted

Federal immigration authorities and prosecutors faced legal setbacks and heightened judicial scrutiny, complicating planned detention, removal efforts and timelines in both federal and Tennessee prosecutions.