Home / Crime and Justice / Federal Judge Blocks Immigrant's Deportation to Uganda Amid Safety Concerns
Federal Judge Blocks Immigrant's Deportation to Uganda Amid Safety Concerns
25 Aug
Summary
- Federal judge orders immigrant Kilmar Abrego Garcia cannot be deported
- Abrego Garcia was detained by ICE despite fears of persecution in Uganda
- Lawyers argue deportation is "unnecessary and cruel" as he awaits trial
On August 25, 2025, a federal judge in Maryland ordered that Kilmar Abrego Garcia cannot be deported from the United States, at least temporarily. This came just hours after Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) had detained Abrego Garcia with plans to send him to Uganda.
During an emergency hearing, U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis ruled that Abrego Garcia must remain in the U.S. until she holds an evidentiary hearing to further examine the case. Xinis, who was appointed by former President Barack Obama, told Justice Department attorneys that Abrego Garcia is "absolutely forbidden" from being removed from the country at this time.
Abrego Garcia's lawyers argued that Uganda has not agreed to offer him protection, and that he could face persecution if deported there. They also noted that he had previously been deported to El Salvador, where he fled due to violence. On Friday, a federal magistrate judge had released Abrego Garcia from jail in Tennessee so he could reunite with his family as he awaits trial on human trafficking charges.
Abrego Garcia's attorneys said the government's decision to detain him again was "both unnecessary and cruel," as he deserves the opportunity to remain safely at home with his family while his claims are considered. They accused the Department of Justice, Department of Homeland Security, and ICE of using their collective powers to force Abrego Garcia to choose between a guilty plea or being sent to Uganda, where his "safety and liberty would be under threat."
