Tennessee Judge Postpones Abrego Garcia’s Release Due to Deportation Worries: What It Means for the Case

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Kilmar Abrego Garcia will remain in jail as his lawyers worry he may be deported if released while awaiting trial on human smuggling charges. A federal judge in Tennessee ruled Monday to keep him detained.

Abrego Garcia’s attorneys expressed concerns about "contradictory statements" from the Trump administration regarding his possible deportation. They stated in a court brief that they couldn’t trust information from the Justice Department about his case.

Justice Department spokesperson Chad Gilmartin confirmed that they plan to prosecute Abrego Garcia before considering deportation, emphasizing the severity of the charges against him.

Earlier, a Justice Department attorney announced they might deport Abrego Garcia to a "third country" that is not El Salvador, but no timeline for this action was provided.

Abrego Garcia, a construction worker, was previously deported to El Salvador by mistake. He became a key figure in discussions about the Trump administration’s strict immigration policies. In March, facing legal pressure, the administration brought him back to face the charges, which his lawyers claim are unfounded.

They argue that the administration is trying to sway public opinion against him and that his detention should not continue unnecessarily.

In a recent court hearing, Judge Barbara Holmes ruled that prosecutors failed to prove Abrego Garcia was a flight risk or posed a danger to the community. Still, she opted to keep him detained due to concerns about his potential deportation.

U.S. Attorney Rob McGuire stated he cannot prevent ICE from deporting Abrego Garcia. His lawyers have requested a delay in his release until a court hearing on July 16, where arguments will be presented for revoking his release order while awaiting trial.

Abrego Garcia has pleaded not guilty to the smuggling charges stemming from a 2022 traffic stop where he was found driving with nine passengers in Tennessee.

This case highlights broader issues around immigration policy and legal rights. Experts note that there is a growing concern regarding how immigration laws intersect with criminal charges, especially for individuals from vulnerable communities.

In another dimension, social media discussions have risen sharply on this topic. Users share stories of similar experiences, creating a community around immigration rights.

In 2019, a U.S. immigration judge had previously decided Abrego Garcia could not be deported due to threats from gangs in El Salvador. This context illustrates ongoing complications in immigration enforcement and legal protections.

For more detailed information on immigration policies, you may refer to the Migration Policy Institute.

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