Kilmar Ábrego García, who was wrongly deported to El Salvador in March before being returned to the United States, now faces another immediate deportation — this time to Uganda — in a case that has become a test case in the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown.
He was arrested in Baltimore overnight by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), homeland security secretary Kristi Noem said on X.

Ábrego García, who was released last week from a jail in Tennessee, where he is facing human smuggling charges, and allowed to go home to Maryland pending trial, “will be processed for removal to Uganda,” the homeland security department said.

Lawyers for Ábrego García immediately filed a lawsuit contesting his deportation, and district judge Paula Xinis temporarily blocked his removal from the country while she holds further hearings on his case.

The attempt to deport Ábrego García to Uganda adds a new twist to a saga that became a flashpoint for Trump’s crackdown on illegal immigration — and, critics say, his trampling of the law.

Who is Kilmar Ábrego García?

Ábrego García had been living in the US under protected legal status since 2019, when a judge ruled he should not be deported because he could be harmed in his home country.
Then he became one of more than 200 people sent to El Salvador’s CECOT mega-prison in March as part of Trump’s crackdown on undocumented migrants.

But justice department lawyers admitted the Salvadoran had been wrongly deported due to an “administrative error”. He was returned to US soil only to be detained again in Tennessee on human smuggling charges.

Why has Ábrego García’s case become so significant?

Ábrego García denies any wrongdoing, while the Trump administration alleges he is a violent MS-13 gang member involved in smuggling of other undocumented migrants.

Right-wing supporters praise the Republican president’s toughness, but legal scholars and human rights advocates have criticised what they say is a haphazard rush to deport people without even a court hearing, in violation of basic US law.

What are the latest developments ?

On Thursday, when it became clear that Ábrego García would be released the following day, government officials made him a plea offer: remain in custody, plead guilty to human smuggling and be deported to Costa Rica.

He declined the offer.

Protesters holding banners outside a building.

Protesters gathered outside the ICE field office to show their support for Kilmar Ábrego García and voice their opposition to his deportation. Source: SIPA USA / Robyn Stevens Brody

Ábrego García was required to check in with ICE in Baltimore on Monday as one of the conditions of his release.

Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg, one of his lawyers, told a crowd of supporters outside the ICE field office that his client was immediately taken into custody when he turned up for the appointment.

You May Also Like

Two Women Charged Following Investigation into 7-Eleven Customer’s Death by Hot Coffee Incident

Two women have been formally charged following an investigation into a tragic…

Essential Insights on Interest Rates, Inflation, and Fuel Costs You Shouldn’t Miss

As the federal budget announcement approaches, it’s been a whirlwind of economic…

Heartbreak and Grief: A Mother’s Emotional Tribute to Kumanjayi Little Baby

On Thursday night, a poignant scene unfolded across the nation as parks,…

Archibald Prize Winner Captures the Soulful Gaze of Pitjantjatjara Elder

Australia’s most esteemed art accolade has been awarded to a portrait of…

Tensions Flare: Fragile US-Iran Truce Tested by Strait of Hormuz Conflict

In brief The United States and Iran have exchanged fire in the…

Tradies to Benefit from $20K Tax Break in Upcoming Federal Budget

A popular tax break is set to become a permanent fixture, allowing…

Surprising Development in Caulfield 7-Eleven Hot Coffee Incident Involving Customer’s Death

Two women involved in a fatal incident at a service station will…

Significant Shift in British Politics Marked by Dramatic Election Outcomes

Early returns from the local elections across England reveal significant setbacks for…

Man Linked to Alleged Facilitation of ‘ISIS Brides’ to Australia Detained on Separate Charges

A man reportedly traveled to Syria several months ago with the intent…

Journalists Expelled from One Nation Event Amid Controversial Remarks: ‘Come on, Sweetheart

Video footage from 9News captures a moment when a One Nation volunteer…

Rebel Wilson Defamation Case: Closing Arguments Highlight Accusations of Deception and Anxiety

A burgeoning talent in the entertainment world finds herself embroiled in controversy,…

Ed Sheeran Set to Pocket £12 Million: Inside the Closure of His Touring Empire

Ed Sheeran is poised to receive a substantial windfall of £12 million…