USA Judge Halts Deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia to Uganda

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Kilmar Abrego Garcia's deportation has been paused by a federal judge, offering him a lifeline as he contests the Trump administration's plans to send him to Uganda. Judge Paula Xinis announced the decision on Monday, citing due process concerns and the potential risks he faces if deported.

 

Abrego Garcia, currently held in a Virginia detention centre, argues against deportation because of concerns about persecution in Uganda. His lawyers have launched a fresh legal battle, demanding time to contest his removal from the US. With mounting anxiety, the court order prevents his immediate deportation, safeguarding him from what he claims could be severe danger.

 

The Maryland resident’s legal odyssey is far from straightforward. Previously deported to El Salvador in a contested move, Abrego Garcia's case has drawn significant attention from both immigration activists and political figures. He argues that deportation to Uganda is punitive, stemming from his legal challenges against prior deportation decisions.

 

Judge Xinis, an appointee of US President Barack Obama, expressed concerns over the potential breach of constitutional rights, implying that the proposed actions against Abrego Garcia appear legally shaky. She plans to hold further hearings and examine evidence, putting a temporary halt on any deportation efforts, CNN reported.

 

With a pending human smuggling trial, Abrego Garcia returned to the spotlight after the Trump administration’s earlier decision saw him sent to a notorious El Salvador prison, reportedly against court orders. His connections to community groups and senators highlight his case as a touchstone for immigration rights.

 

Public sentiment around the case has been fervent. Lydia Walther-Rodriguez, a leader at CASA, condemned the actions against him, labelling him a "martyr" for challenging what she described as illegal deportation protocols. Her statement at a rally underscored a broader struggle against perceived administrative overreach.

 

Adding layers to the complexity, offers to deport Abrego Garcia to Costa Rica have been connected to plea deals, which he has reportedly not accepted. His stance remains resolute despite governmental pressures, further fuelled by advocacy from political figures like Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen.

 

Abrego Garcia’s personal reflections reveal the emotional toll of his legal struggles. He notes the importance of family memories as a source of strength, emphasising a deep-rooted commitment to fighting what he perceives as unfair actions against him.

 

As the legal process continues, the implications of Abrego Garcia's case resonate widely, touching on themes of justice, human rights, and the intricacies of immigration law. With high-profile backing and public rallies in his favour, the unfolding legal battle promises to keep attention sharply focused on how such cases are handled in the United States.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from CNN 2025-08-26

 

[Emdog]

Costa Rica would accept him, but Trump toadies won't hear of that. They want vindictive retribution for daring to not go quietly, want to send him to Uganda... massively different than Latino culture, language barrier... Trump bunch just want to send him to hell if they could