Final hurdles cleared to deport Abrego Garcia to Liberia, Trump admin says
The Trump administration has moved to expedite the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia to Liberia, claiming that all legal barriers have been addressed. Following his return from El Salvador, the Justice Department asserts that Garcia has not demonstrated a credible fear of persecution in Liberia, urging a federal judge to lift a preliminary injunction against his removal. In response, Garcia's attorneys contend he has faced insufficient due process and argue that the deportation efforts are retaliatory, particularly given Costa Rica's offer to accept him under refugee status. The case highlights ongoing tensions surrounding immigration enforcement and the implications of perceived retaliatory actions by the government. The outcome will depend on the federal court's ruling on the administration's request.
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Kilmar Abrego Garcia is currently facing deportation to Liberia, with the Justice Department filing a motion to U.S. District Court Judge Paula Xinis to approve the action, asserting that he has not shown credible fear of persecution.
The Justice Department argues that Garcia's claims are procedurally barred and lack merit, stating that the court should dissolve its preliminary injunction to allow for his removal.
Garcia's attorneys argue that the determination made by a single immigration officer regarding his potential persecution does not meet due process standards, highlighting the inadequacy of his legal representation.
His legal team also claims that the U.S. government is engaging in retaliatory prosecution, noting that Costa Rica has offered to accept him as a refugee, but only if he agrees to plead guilty to human trafficking charges.
The timeline presented by Garcia's attorneys suggests a pattern of retaliatory actions linked to unfavorable rulings in his civil and criminal cases related to his immigration status.
The Justice Department has characterized Liberia as a stable democracy and a partner of the U.S., countering Garcia's attorneys' claims about possible dangers he may face there.
Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem has criticized judicial decisions that led to Garcia's earlier release, attributing blame to what she calls 'activist' judges.