Archive · 20 Aug 2025
Immigrant Seeks Release, Accuses DOJ of Retaliation
Kilmar Abrego Garcia, an immigrant, wants to be released from custody and claims the US government is being unfair to him.
A judge in Tennessee already said he doesn't have to stay locked up while fighting charges of helping people cross the border illegally.
His lawyers want to take him to Maryland with supervision.
He was previously sent to El Salvador by the Trump administration, even though a court said he shouldn't be.
Now, his lawyers are asking the judge to stop the case against him, saying the government is getting back at him for fighting them.
Kilmar Abrego Garcia, an immigrant, seeks release and accuses the US Justice Department of vindictive prosecution.
A Tennessee court previously ruled he need not remain in custody while fighting federal human smuggling charges.
Abrego Garcia's lawyers seek to transport him to Maryland under supervision.
He was deported to El Salvador under the Trump administration, despite a court order.
Abrego Garcia's lawyers requested the Nashville judge to dismiss the criminal case, citing retaliation by the Trump administration.
- Who
- Kilmar Abrego Garcia and the US Justice Department.
- What
- Kilmar Abrego Garcia seeks release and accuses the US Justice Department of vindictive prosecution.
- When
- Nearly a month after a Nashville judge ruled he need not remain in custody and also in separate filings on Tuesday.
- Where
- Tennessee, Maryland, and El Salvador.
- Why
- Abrego Garcia alleges retaliation for fighting back against a brutal injustice, while the government insists he is an MS-13 gang member and human trafficker.
Abrego Garcia's Perspective
Government's Perspective
Prosecution's Motive
Abrego Garcia's Perspective
Claims the government is retaliating against him for fighting back.
Government's Perspective
The government claims Abrego Garcia is an MS-13 gang member and human trafficker.
- Defendant
- Kilmar Abrego Garcia
- Charges
- Federal human smuggling
- Previous Ruling
- Nashville judge ruled he need not remain in custody
- Deportation
- To El Salvador under Trump administration, despite court order
- Legal Action
- Request for dismissal of criminal case