Chris Van Hollen, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Salvadoran Kilmar Ábrego García, a Maryland resident, was again detained by U.S. immigration authorities, this time facing the possibility of deportation to Uganda, a country with which he has no personal or family ties.
According to his legal team, the U.S. government offered him a deal: plead guilty to human trafficking charges in exchange for being sent to Costa Rica. When he refused, he was notified that his deportation destination would be Uganda, which has been described as a coercive and unjustified measure.
Background of your case
In March 2025, Ábrego was mistakenly deported to El Salvador, despite a judge determining he faced a high risk of persecution in his home country. Following that incident, he was returned to the U.S. under a court order, although he has since faced new immigration charges, which he vehemently denies.
The defense of Ábrego
Ábrego maintains he has never had gang ties, a charge the government has used to classify him as a "clear danger." His lawyers insist this is a strategy to pressure him into accepting a plea deal and thus close his case more quickly.
Currently, the Maryland federal court has issued an order temporarily halting his deportation. The measure requires that any attempt to remove him from the country be given at least 72 hours' notice, giving him some breathing room while his legal battle continues.
An emblematic case
Ábrego's possible deportation to Uganda has sparked a heated debate about the use of the U.S. immigration system and government strategies in high-profile cases. Human rights organizations and community leaders have called for transparency in the process and respect for due process.
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