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Immigration authorities informed Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was previously wrongfully deported to a high-security prison in El Salvador, that he might face deportation to Uganda, merely a day after his release from federal custody.
Following his mistaken deportation to El Salvador’s CECOT prison, Abrego Garcia was released from a facility near Nashville, Tennessee, where he had been held since June upon his return to the U.S.
Immigration officials planned to deport Abrego Garcia immediately upon his release. “He may be removed to Uganda no less than 72 hours absent weekends,” a source informed NBC News.
That is in line with standard procedure that ICE must give immigrants 72 hours notice before being removed to third countries.
Originally from El Salvador, Abrego Garcia had a 2019 withholding of removal order that prevented his deportation there due to the risk of being persecuted by violent gangs.
The Trump administration violated this order in March when they inadvertently deported Abrego to El Salvador’s CECOT prison, known for its severe conditions. However, this order does not prevent deportation to other countries.
To prevent Abrego Garcia’s deportation, his attorneys must persuade an immigration judge of his potential risk of persecution or torture in Uganda within the 72-hour timeframe.
Abrego Garcia’s lawyers have now notified the judge in the Middle District of Tennessee that ICE has informed Abrego of their intent to deport him to Uganda. Abrego could not face the criminal charges of human smuggling brought against him by DOJ in that case if he is out of the country.
Abrego Garcia, a father of three, was reunited with his family on Friday, after spending nearly half a year away from home. Images of the reunification, released by advocates, show a teary eyed Abrego holding his youngest son, who was with his father when Abrego was picked up by immigration authorities in March.
“Today has been a very special day because I have seen my family for the first time in more than 160 days,” he said in a statement on Friday.
“I’d like to thank all the people who have supported me because after this long time I have witnessed that so many people have been by my side with such positivity,” he added. “Today I am grateful to God because He has heard me and today I am out. We are steps closer to justice, but justice has not been fully served.”
Immediately upon his return to the United States in June, Abrego was charged with conspiracy to unlawfully transport illegal aliens for financial gain and unlawful transportation of illegal aliens for financial gain.
He has pleaded not guilty to the charges. A trial date has been set for January, but it is now unclear if Abrego can or will attend.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
