Judge temporarily blocks Ábrego García's deportation

August 25, 2025

Federal Judge Paula Xinis temporarily blocked the US government from deporting Kilmar Ábrego García to Uganda or any other country after Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) took him into custody during a check-in. The judge raised concerns about the government potentially conditioning Mr. Ábrego García's plea deal on deportation choices, noting this would undermine constitutional rights. This latest development follows Mr. Ábrego García's previous mistaken deportation to El Salvador in March, after which he was returned to the US and charged with human trafficking.

Who is affected

Kilmar Ábrego García, who is currently detained by ICE in Virginia
Mr. Ábrego García's family, from whom he has been separated again
The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, which is attempting to deport him
Judge Paula Xinis, who is overseeing the case
Mr. Ábrego García's legal team, including attorney Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg
The Department of Homeland Security and Secretary Kristi Noem, who are involved in the deportation efforts

What action is being taken

Judge Paula Xinis has temporarily blocked the government from deporting Mr. Ábrego García
ICE is currently holding Mr. Ábrego García at a facility in Virginia
Both parties are submitting legal briefs this week ahead of a potential hearing
The government is processing Mr. Ábrego García for potential deportation to Uganda
The Trump administration is publicly portraying Mr. Ábrego García as a criminal on social media and in statements

Why it matters

The case raises constitutional concerns about conditioning plea deals on deportation choices
It highlights tensions in immigration enforcement, with the judge stating the government failed to demonstrate Mr. Ábrego García wouldn't face harm if deported to Uganda
The situation tests the limits of recent bilateral deportation agreements between the US and countries like Uganda
It represents a high-profile case of contested deportation under the Trump administration
The case examines whether the government can deport someone to a country where they have no connections as leverage in criminal proceedings

What's next

Judge Xinis will hold a hearing on the matter after both parties submit briefs this week
The court will determine whether to extend the temporary order preventing deportation beyond Wednesday at 4:00 PM
The judge will consider the request to keep Mr. Ábrego García detained within 200 miles of the court to ensure access to legal proceedings

Read full article from source: BBC