A US federal judge has ordered the release of Kilmar Abrego Garcia from ICE custody. She ruled that the government held him without legal authority.
Judge Paula Xinis said officials wrongfully deported Abrego Garcia to El Salvador earlier this year. The US later admitted the mistake and brought him back to face human smuggling charges.
When he returned, ICE detained him again. Judge Xinis said the agency had no legal basis to keep him in custody. She also noted that the government lacked a valid removal order. Without it, ICE cannot deport him right now.
The judge said Abrego Garcia must instead follow the release conditions set by a Tennessee court. Her decision highlights major errors in how the government handled his case.
