The Trump administration may have finally outmatched the legal team representing Kilmar Abrego Garcia, if what’s being reported tonight pans out. 

Readers may remember that a suspected MS-13 gang member and human trafficker from El Salvador was released from prison by a Tennessee judge on August 22 and was promptly sent back to Maryland.

Shortly after, on August 28, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained Abrego Garcia, with indications suggesting that his next destination was Uganda. However, as noted by my colleague Bonchie, a judge chosen by former President Barack Obama issued a temporary halt to the deportation:

In light of this, Abrego-Garcia’s attorneys quickly submitted a petition for a writ of habeas corpus. Subsequently, Judge Paula Xinis, appointed by Barack Obama, intervened to suspend his deportation, citing “several grounds” for potential relief. 

During a hearing on Monday afternoon, U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis ruled that Abrego must remain detained in the United States — temporarily preventing his deportation to Uganda — until she conducts an evidentiary hearing. 

The judge mentioned there are “several grounds” on which she may have jurisdiction to provide relief, including the fact that Uganda has not agreed to guarantee Abrego certain protections, such as allowing freedom of movement, granting refugee status, and ensuring he isn’t deported back to El Salvador.