U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has arrested Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran national accused of being an MS-13 gang member, at his scheduled check-in with the Baltimore Field Office.
Federal officials confirmed that Abrego Garcia will likely be deported to Uganda after refusing a government deal to serve his sentence in Costa Rica.
Court documents show that Abrego Garcia was previously charged with human smuggling in Tennessee in 2022 after police stopped his vehicle carrying eight passengers without luggage. He has also faced accusations of domestic abuse and alleged cartel ties.
The case has stirred political debate. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem criticized what she called “activist judges” for allowing his release before ICE detained him again. She argued that his deportation is necessary for public safety.
Attorneys for Abrego Garcia said the decision to send him to Uganda is unlawful and meant to pressure him into a plea deal. They argued that he has no ties to the country and does not speak the language.
A federal ruling requires the government to provide at least 72 hours’ notice before deporting him to a third country. Deportation proceedings are now underway.
