Trump Administration to Deport Kilmar Abrego Garcia to Liberia by Oct. 31

URGENT UPDATE: The Trump administration has confirmed plans to deport accused MS-13 gang member Kilmar Abrego Garcia to Liberia as early as October 31, 2023. This decision comes amid ongoing legal battles regarding his removal from the United States.

Federal immigration authorities filed court documents on Friday indicating that Liberia has agreed to accept Garcia, who has faced serious allegations including smuggling illegal migrants and domestic abuse. This deportation plan marks a significant move in the administration’s crackdown on illegal immigration, particularly concerning gang-related activities.

Garcia was previously deported to his home country of El Salvador earlier this year but returned to the U.S. in June 2023. Since then, his legal team has been in a contentious dispute with federal prosecutors over his new removal destination. The Justice Department stated, “Federal Defendants hereby provide notice that they have identified a new country for removal that has agreed to accept Petitioner: the Republic of Liberia.”

Despite Garcia’s claims of fearing persecution in various countries, including Uganda and Mexico, the Justice Department emphasizes that Liberia is a stable democracy where English is the official language, potentially aiding Garcia’s integration. They noted, “Liberia also is committed to the humane treatment of refugees.”

The case has drawn attention due to its implications for immigration policy and the treatment of individuals facing deportation. Garcia’s legal team argues that his past experiences with domestic violence and the perilous nature of his return should be taken into account. His wife, Jennifer Vasquez Sura, has previously accused him of domestic abuse but has since attempted to downplay these allegations.

As the deportation date approaches, the situation remains fluid. U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis, overseeing the case in Baltimore, Maryland, has ordered that Garcia remain detained until an evidentiary hearing occurs. This ruling could potentially delay the deportation, depending on the outcome of the hearing.

The administration had previously considered other countries for Garcia’s deportation, including Eswatini and Uganda. However, the urgency of this latest development raises questions about the administration’s immigration enforcement strategies and the fate of individuals like Garcia facing removal.

As this situation unfolds, Garcia’s case highlights broader issues surrounding immigration policy and the complexities involved in deportation processes. Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.