Kilmar Abrego Garcia gained national attention when he was deported to El Salvador in March 2025, despite a court ruling that should have blocked his deportation. This conflict has sparked intense discussions regarding the immigration policies of former President Donald Trump.
Since his deportation, Garcia has faced multiple legal battles. He is currently involved in a civil case in Maryland against the Department of Homeland Security, challenging his imminent deportation. Furthermore, he faces criminal accusations in Tennessee related to human smuggling, and he is actively pursuing an asylum claim in immigration court.
Timeline of Key Events
Arrival in the U.S.
Garcia fled his home in El Salvador around 2011, escaping gang violence that threatened his family.
March 28, 2019 - Arrest
Arrested in Maryland, he was accused of gang affiliations and was turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
October 10, 2019 - Immigration Court Ruling
An immigration judge determined that Garcia could not be deported due to threats against his family in El Salvador, granting him a work permit under federal supervision.
March 15, 2025 - Deportation
Despite the court ruling, Garcia was mistakenly deported and imprisoned in El Salvador.
April 10, 2025 - Supreme Court Intervention
The Supreme Court mandated the Trump administration to facilitate Garcia's return to the U.S.
June 6, 2025 - Criminal Charges
Garcia was unexpectedly returned to the U.S. and charged with human smuggling based on events from a traffic stop in Tennessee two years prior.
July 23, 2025-Present - Attempts at Second Deportation
ICE announced efforts to deport him again, but faced legal blockades through a Maryland federal judge's injunction.
August 25, 2025 - Seeking Asylum
Garcia filed a petition to reopen his case for asylum in the U.S.
December 11, 2025 - Court Orders Release
A federal judge in Maryland directed ICE to release Garcia while he continues his legal fight against deportation.
