Kilmar Abrego Garcia entered the news in March 2025 after he was deported to El Salvador despite a court ruling that should have prevented it. His complicated legal fight since then has galvanized both sides of the debate over President Donald Trump’s immigration policies.
There is a civil case in Maryland where he has been challenging the Department of Homeland Security’s attempts to deport him to a series of African countries. There is also a criminal case in Tennessee, where the government accuses him of human smuggling. He has pleaded not guilty and asked that the case be dismissed, claiming it was only brought to punish him.
Here is a timeline of key events:
Abrego Garcia flees El Salvador for the U.S. as a teenager.
Abrego Garcia is arrested outside a Maryland hardware store. Police accuse him of being a gang member and turn him over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Immigration court: Oct. 10, 2019
A Maryland immigration judge rules that Abrego Garcia cannot be deported to El Salvador, where a gang has threatened his family. He is given a work permit and placed under federal supervision.
Detained by ICE: March 12, 2025
Abrego Garcia is detained by ICE in Baltimore while driving home with his 5-year-old son.
Deportation: March 15, 2025
Supreme Court: April 10, 2025
The U.S. Supreme Court says the Trump administration must work to bring Abrego Garcia back.
Criminal charges: June 6, 2025
Attempts at second deportation: July 23, 2025—present
Released from jail: August 22, 2025
Abrego Garcia leaves the Tennessee jail, where he has been since June, to return to his family in Maryland and await trial. Within minutes of his release, ICE sends notice that they intend to deport him to Uganda.
In immigration custody: Aug. 25, 2025
Abrego Garcia reports to an immigration office in Baltimore and is taken into custody.
Judge orders release: Dec. 11, 2025
No immigration detention: Feb. 17, 2026
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