Kilmar Abrego Garcia was released from ICE custody after a federal judge ruled his prior deportation to El Salvador and subsequent detention were unlawful.U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis granted habeas corpus, finding the government failed to secure a formal removal order despite Abrego Garcia having court protection from gang threats since 2019, though he still faces human smuggling charges.The
DHS criticized the ruling as "judicial activism" and plans to appeal, while a federal judge prohibited U.S. immigration authorities from re-arresting him as his legal battle continues.