Kilmar Abrego Garcia was recently taken into immigration custody after checking in with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at their Baltimore office on Monday morning. This event was confirmed by his attorney, Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg, who stated that Abrego Garcia was detained immediately upon entering the ICE office.
According to Sandoval-Moshenberg, when they inquired about the reasons for Abrego Garcia's detention, the ICE officer did not provide any answers. Furthermore, the attorney mentioned that the officers were unwilling to disclose which detention center his client would be sent to. Attempts to obtain a copy of any paperwork related to the detention were also met with resistance, as the ICE officer did not commit to providing any documentation.
In response to Abrego Garcia's detention, a new lawsuit has been filed in Maryland challenging his detainment and the potential for deportation. This legal action comes less than 24 hours after Abrego Garcia was released from criminal custody in Tennessee on Friday. Following his release, ICE notified his attorneys that he might face deportation to Uganda and ordered him to report to their Maryland office.
Notably, this notification from ICE occurred after Abrego Garcia rejected a plea deal that would have allowed him to be deported to Costa Rica in exchange for a guilty plea to human smuggling charges. His attorneys contend that the federal government is attempting to coerce their client into accepting a guilty plea, threatening him with deportation to East Africa if he does not comply.
In July, U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis ordered the government to restore Abrego Garcia to his ICE Order of Supervision originating from the Baltimore Field Office. However, Judge Xinis emphasized that if the government plans to deport Abrego Garcia to a third country, it is required to provide 72 hours' notice before doing so. This order enables the Trump administration to initiate lawful immigration proceedings upon Abrego Garcia's return to Maryland.
Judge Xinis also noted that these immigration proceedings could potentially involve lawful arrest, detention, and eventual removal, highlighting the complex nature of immigration law and its implications for individuals like Abrego Garcia.
As this situation develops, the legal team representing Kilmar Abrego Garcia is actively working to protect his rights and challenge the actions taken by ICE. The outcome of this case will be closely monitored as it unfolds within the broader context of immigration enforcement and legal proceedings in the United States.
