Kilmar Abrego Garcia Taken Into ICE Custody In Baltimore
Salvadoran National Taken into Custody and Processed for Deportation After Reporting to Authorities
BALTIMORE, MD. – Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran national, was taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Monday shortly after reporting to an ICE facility in Baltimore.
His lawyer, Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg, announced the arrest to a crowd of supporters who had gathered for a rally outside the facility. The crowd reacted with groans and chants of “shame!” upon hearing the news.
U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed the arrest and said Abrego Garcia is being processed for deportation. “Today, ICE law enforcement arrested Kilmar Abrego Garcia and are processing him for deportation,” Noem wrote on X.
Abrego Garcia’s arrest comes just days after he was released from a Tennessee jail, where he had been held since June. He had been brought back to the U.S. after being mistakenly deported to El Salvador.
Immigration officials have stated their intention to deport Abrego Garcia to Uganda after he reportedly declined a plea deal that would have allowed his removal to Costa Rica. His legal team said the offer to deport him to Costa Rica in exchange for a guilty plea to human smuggling charges expired on Monday.
ORIGINAL REPORT: Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran national, arrived in Baltimore on Monday to report to U.S. immigration authorities. The check-in is expected to initiate deportation proceedings.
Abrego Garcia was released from a Tennessee jail last week after being held since June. He had been brought back to the U.S. following a mistaken deportation to El Salvador earlier this year.
Immigration officials have indicated they intend to deport Abrego Garcia to Uganda, a country with which he has no known ties. This plan comes after he reportedly declined a plea deal that would have allowed for his removal to Costa Rica in exchange for a guilty plea to human smuggling charges.
According to his legal team, the plea offer, which had a Monday deadline, is now off the table. The Justice Department has said the charges prove Abrego Garcia is a “clear danger” and that he will be held accountable.
A federal judge has ordered that his lawyers be given 72 hours’ notice before any deportation, allowing them time to challenge the move. Advocates and supporters gathered outside the ICE office in Baltimore on Monday to show their support.
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