DOJ Asks Judge to End Order Blocking Deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia
The Department of Justice asked a federal judge on Friday to dissolve a court injunction that now stops the Trump administration from detaining Kilmar Abrego Garcia so he can be deported to Liberia. The government told the judge the injunction itself is what is preventing his removal and asked for a ruling by April 17. 
Abrego Garcia was mistakenly deported to El Salvador in March 2025 even though a 2019 court order barred his removal there, and the government later brought him back to the United States to face human smuggling charges. His lawyers deny he is an MS‑13 member, the designation the administration has used to justify its actions. 
A federal judge previously ordered his release from immigration custody and barred re‑detention because the government had not shown a final removal order or that deportation was likely. The DOJ says it has cleared the legal hurdles to send him to Liberia, while Abrego Garcia’s team continues to fight the attempt and argues other countries like Costa Rica should be considered.
