Government Pushes to Lift Court Block
The Department of Homeland Security has asked a federal judge to remove a legal block preventing the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, stating it is prepared to send him to Liberia.
The request was filed with U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis in Maryland. According to court filings, officials say her current order is the only obstacle stopping the deportation from moving forward.
Deportation Plans Already in Motion
The Trump administration indicated that Liberia is willing to accept Abrego Garcia. Officials added that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement could arrange a charter flight within days if the court lifts the restriction.
An ICE official stated that deportation could happen quickly, with DHS requesting a ruling by mid-April to proceed “expeditiously.”
Background on the Case
Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran national, previously lived in Maryland. He was deported to El Salvador last year, where authorities alleged ties to the MS-13 gang—claims he has denied.
A prior 2019 court order had blocked his deportation to El Salvador due to concerns for his safety. Despite this, he was initially removed before being returned to the U.S. in 2025.
Criminal Charges and Legal Fight
Following his return, Abrego Garcia faced federal charges related to alleged human smuggling. Prosecutors claim he transported undocumented migrants into the United States.
He has pleaded not guilty. His attorneys argue the charges are retaliatory, linked to a civil lawsuit he filed against the federal government over his earlier deportation.
What Comes Next
The case now hinges on whether the court lifts the deportation block. If approved, DHS says Abrego Garcia could be removed from the U.S. within days—potentially sending him to Liberia as legal and political tensions continue to surround the case.
For more on Garcia’s wrongful deportation case, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.