Kilmar Abrego García, a Salvadoran immigrant whose case stirred significant debate across the United States, was released from Putnam County Jail in Tennessee this Friday. A judicial order now allows him to await his trial on human trafficking charges under conditional release.
Abrego, who lived in Maryland with his wife and children, was mistakenly deported to El Salvador in March of this year, despite having a court order protecting him from such an action due to the danger he faced in his home country. Following weeks of advocacy and a court ruling, the U.S. government brought him back in June, at which point he was immediately detained because of a criminal case dating back to 2022.
On Friday, Abrego García left the jail wearing a white shirt and black pants, accompanied by his attorney, Rascoe Dean. They declined to speak to the media and headed towards Maryland in a van, where he will remain under house arrest, electronic monitoring, and under the supervision of his brother. He is permitted to leave only for work, religious services, or pre-approved activities.
His legal team argues that the smuggling charges are a "vindictive attack" due to his public objections to his deportation. "The release offers relief but not assured safety. ICE might still attempt to detain or deport him to a third country," explained Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg, his attorney in Maryland, to the AP.
The situation has sparked political controversy. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem criticized the judicial decision, accusing "activist liberal judges" of obstructing efforts to expel "illegal foreign criminals."
Meanwhile, Abrego García's lawyers have sought to have the criminal case dismissed this week, claiming prosecutorial retaliation. Footage from the 2022 incident shows that after being stopped for speeding, police allowed him to proceed despite transporting nine passengers.
Abrego García has lived in the United States for several years. In 2019, an immigration judge granted him protection against deportation to El Salvador, recognizing a “well-founded fear” of violence if he were sent back. This decision prohibited his expulsion specifically to El Salvador, though it did not guarantee permanent legal status or prevent the U.S. government from attempting to send him to a third country willing to accept him.
Understanding Kilmar Abrego's Case
Why was Kilmar Abrego initially deported to El Salvador?
Abrego was mistakenly deported to El Salvador despite having a court order that protected him from deportation due to the risk of violence he faced in his home country.
What are the charges against Kilmar Abrego?
Kilmar Abrego faces charges of human trafficking, which his defense claims are a retaliatory measure for his public opposition to his deportation.
What conditions have been placed on Kilmar Abrego's release?
Abrego has been released under house arrest with electronic monitoring. He is allowed to leave his home only for work, religious services, or activities that have been pre-approved.