NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Federal judges in Maryland and Tennessee are preparing to examine pressing challenges to the treatment of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a case that has sparked significant contention surrounding the Trump administration's immigration policies.
Garcia was wrongfully deported to El Salvador, leading to widespread public outcry against mass deportation initiatives. In Maryland, Garcia contests plans to deport him to a third country after admitting that legal regulations prohibit any further deportation to El Salvador.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement recently announced intentions to send him to Eswatini, which has drawn legal ire and accusations of retaliatory actions against him, primarily because of his previous successful litigation against the Trump administration.
U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis has mandated that government officials testify about the actions being undertaken regarding Garcia's deportation. His legal team asserts these moves are designed to penalize Garcia following his erroneous deportation.
Simultaneously, in Tennessee, legal representatives claim that newly imposed human smuggling charges against Garcia are similarly retaliatory, coinciding with his return to the U.S. The presiding judge has expressed concerns regarding the legitimacy of these charges, considering the context of Garcia's lawsuit.
These smuggling charges originate from a traffic stop in 2022, where no immediate charges were made against Garcia. Investigations resumed after a lawsuit filed by his wife against the deportation. A hearing scheduled for Friday aims to determine the admissibility of evidence that might support the retaliation claims against Garcia.
The Trump administration has consistently labeled Garcia a member of the MS-13 gang, a claim unsubstantiated by any conviction, further complicating the public perception of his case.
