U.S. immigration officials said they intend to deport Kilmar Abrego Garcia to Uganda, according to a Saturday court filing, after he declined an offer to be sent to Costa Rica in exchange for remaining in jail and pleading guilty to human smuggling charges.

Release From Jail

The offer came late Thursday, just before Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran national, was due to be released from a Tennessee jail. He chose not to stay in custody and was freed Friday to await trial in Maryland with his family. Hours later, the Department of Homeland Security told his attorneys he should report to immigration authorities Monday to face deportation to Uganda.

Case Background

Abrego Garcia’s case drew national attention during President Trump’s immigration crackdown. In March, he was mistakenly deported to El Salvador, then returned to the U.S. in June under a court order. He was later charged with human smuggling, charges he denies.

His attorneys argue the case is retaliation for challenging his wrongful deportation, and they have asked a judge to dismiss it.

Claims of Vindictive Prosecution

In their Saturday filing, his lawyers said the threat of deportation to Uganda shows the government is punishing him.

“The government immediately responded to Mr. Abrego’s release with outrage,” the filing states, adding that within minutes of his release, ICE notified his attorneys of the Uganda plan.

What’s Next

Abrego Garcia has pleaded not guilty and remains free under court supervision in Maryland. A recent ruling requires immigration officials to give him time to mount a defense, even as deportation threats continue.

For more on Garcia’s case, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran native who was wrongly deported earlier this year, has been released from criminal custody in Tennessee and is traveling to Maryland, his attorneys confirmed Friday.

Wrongful Deportation and Return

Abrego Garcia was deported to El Salvador’s CECOT mega-prison in March, despite a court order barring his removal there due to fear of persecution. In June, the U.S. government brought him back to face human smuggling charges in Tennessee, to which he has pleaded not guilty.

Conditions of Release

According to the release order, Abrego Garcia must remain in his brother’s custody in Maryland, report regularly to Pretrial Services, seek employment, undergo anger management treatment, and avoid contact with MS-13 members. He cannot obtain a passport or international travel documents.

If detained by immigration authorities, he must still be allowed access to his attorneys to prepare for trial.

Legal and Political Reactions

Attorney Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg said his client is “reunited with his loving family” but remains “far from safe,” citing the threat of ICE detention or deportation to a third country.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem criticized the decision, calling Abrego Garcia a “gang member” and “human trafficker,” though his family and lawyers deny the allegations.

Judge’s Orders

U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis previously ordered that Abrego Garcia be restored to ICE supervision in Maryland, where he lived with his wife and children before his wrongful deportation. The ruling also requires 72 hours’ notice before any attempt to deport him again.

What’s Next

Abrego Garcia faces human smuggling charges, accused of transporting undocumented migrants within the U.S. His attorneys argue the charges are “vindictive and selective prosecution.”

His trial is scheduled to begin on Jan. 27, 2027. For more on Garcia’s case, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.