A federal judge indicated on Monday that she may release Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia from immigration detention if the government fails to demonstrate immediate deportation plans. Judge Paula Xinis criticized Justice Department attorneys for their inability to answer fundamental questions about his case at a hearing in Greenbelt, Maryland. The judge questioned whether officials were using detention tactics to hold him indefinitely while claiming imminent deportation without actual preparation.
Government lawyers were granted a 30-minute recess to gather evidence of deportation coordination, but they produced only emails mentioning Eswatini as a destination. Attorney Ernesto H. Molina could not provide proof of active deportation preparations. Judge Xinis rejected his evasive response, stating that courts require direct answers. The government must respond by Wednesday, or she will likely order his release.
Government lawyers were granted a 30-minute recess to gather evidence of deportation coordination, but they produced only emails mentioning Eswatini as a destination. Attorney Ernesto H. Molina could not provide proof of active deportation preparations. Judge Xinis rejected his evasive response, stating that courts require direct answers. The government must respond by Wednesday, or she will likely order his release.
