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A court has ordered the immediate release of Kilmar Abrego Garcia from immigration custody, concluding his ongoing detainment is without legal authority.

"Since his return from wrongful imprisonment in El Salvador, he has been re-detained, again without legal justification," Judge Paula Xinis wrote in her ruling.

The situation stems from a erroneous removal to El Salvador in March, which the government later admitted was an error. Following his return to the United States to face human smuggling charges, he was detained in federal custody.

In her decision, the court pointed out that the authorities lacks a current removal order, which prevents them from deporting Mr. Abrego Garcia "at this juncture."

Background of the Case

The court challenge center on disputed assertions. While the Trump administration argues that Abrego Garcia is a member of the MS-13 gang, he categorically denies this claim.

He has also pleaded not guilty to the smuggling counts, which are part of a ongoing trial in Tennessee.

Terms of Release

The judge, who was overseeing his challenge to deportation 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 jurisdiction handling his criminal case.

This decision represents a significant turn in a complex immigration battle featuring allegations of mistaken imprisonment and disputed gang affiliations.