A recent filing reveals that Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran national, is being coerced by federal authorities to either take a guilty plea on human smuggling charges or face deportation to Uganda. This news comes as his attorneys make their claims public following Abrego Garcia’s release from custody on Friday.
The story has been rocky for Abrego Garcia; he was wrongly deported earlier this year but returned to the U.S. only to confront serious charges. After spending time in jail in Tennessee, he was sent back to Maryland, creating quite a tumult along the way.
According to his legal team, the difficulties escalated when the government presented him with an ultimatum: accept a plea deal and plead guilty to the smuggling charges, or possibly be deported to Uganda. Just after he opted out of a proposal to be deported to Costa Rica instead of remaining in jail, he was told to report to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office again on Monday.
Interestingly, recent developments hint at Costa Rica’s willingness to accept Abrego Garcia back after his potential incarceration in the U.S. However, just minutes following Abrego’s release, ICE was quick to inform his attorneys about the intention to send him to Uganda.
His attorneys claimed that outrage has brewed since the decision for his release by what they described as hesitation from the federal authorities. They mentioned, “Considering all the factors that were initially agreed upon, it’s alarming to see that after somewhat good news, ICE is immediately attempting to halt any progress toward establishing safety for Mr. Abrego. After his side declined the plea agreement, he got practically brain-stormed with fears of detention.”
Adding to the pressing situation, a spokesperson for the Justice Department said that Abrego Garcia is facing severe charges, which include human trafficking. They insisted that it’s essential to keep commending the gravity of the crimes in question while also emphasizing that Abrego has the choice to accept a plea or go through trial.
Homeland Security sharply criticized the court’s decision that led to Abrego Garcia’s release. Secretary Kristi Noem pointed out the potential danger he presents, labeling him again as a member of the MS-13 gang with an alarming record.
With his trial scheduled to commence on January 27, 2027, the road ahead looks convoluted, sowing uncertainty about where he may land next.
