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A federal judge has ordered the prompt discharge of Kilmar Abrego Garcia from immigration custody, finding his ongoing confinement lacks lawful basis.

"Since his release after erroneous imprisonment in El Salvador, he has been re-detained, again without lawful authority," Judge Paula Xinis wrote in her ruling.

The case stems from a erroneous deportation to El Salvador in March, which the government later acknowledged was an error. After his return to the United States to answer human smuggling charges, he was held in federal detention.

In her order, the court noted that the authorities does not have a valid removal order, which prevents them from deporting Mr. Abrego Garcia "at this juncture."

Context of the Case

The legal proceedings center on conflicting assertions. While the former administration argues that Abrego Garcia is a affiliate of the MS-13 criminal organization, he categorically disputes this allegation.

He has also pleaded not guilty to the smuggling counts, which are part of a separate criminal case in the state of Tennessee.

Conditions of Release

The judge, who was overseeing his challenge to removal in a Maryland district court, determined that he must now adhere to the conditions of his release from custody in Tennessee. This order effectively transfers his supervision to the Tennessee court.

This decision marks a significant turn in a complicated legal battle involving allegations of wrongful detention and contested criminal affiliations.