DHS seeks to deport Kilmar Abrego Garcia to Liberia, despite his family ties in Maryland

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is pressing forward with plans to deport Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran national once wrongly deported, to the West African nation of Liberia. The move comes despite a federal judge’s ongoing order barring his removal from the United States.

Abrego Garcia, who was previously deported to El Salvador despite a court ban, remains detained in Pennsylvania as legal disputes over his removal continue.

Why is DHS pushing for deportation to Liberia?

In a court filing, the Department of Justice said DHS is now finalizing arrangements for Abrego Garcia’s removal. Department of Justice attorneys said DHS has received "diplomatic assurances regarding the treatment of third-country individuals removed to Liberia from the United States and are making the final necessary arrangements for [Abrego Garcia's] removal," as per a report by ABC News.

According to the notice, DHS expects "to be able to effectuate removal as soon as October 31."

What led to his earlier wrongful deportation?

Abrego Garcia, who lived in Maryland with his wife and children, was deported in March to El Salvador’s notorious CECOT mega-prison, even though a 2019 court order explicitly barred such action due to fears of persecution. The Trump administration alleged that he was affiliated with the MS-13 gang — claims his family and attorneys firmly deny.

After his wrongful deportation, he was brought back to the U.S. in June to face human smuggling charges in Tennessee, to which he pleaded not guilty. Released into the custody of his brother in Maryland, he was soon detained again by immigration officials and has remained in custody since, as per a report by ABC News.

How has DHS changed its stance on destination countries?

Before naming Liberia as the destination, DHS had considered sending him to Ghana, Eswatini, and Uganda, all options that were later dropped. In response to Friday's DHS notice, Abrego Garcia's attorney said the government "has chosen yet another path that feels designed to inflict maximum hardship."

His attorney, Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg, criticized the agency’s latest move, saying, "Having struck out with Uganda, Eswatini and Ghana, ICE now seeks to deport our client Kilmar Abrego Garcia to Liberia -- a country with which he has no connection, thousands of miles from his family and home in Maryland," as per a report by ABC News.

Sandoval-Moshenberg added that Costa Rica remains a lawful and willing option, stating, “Costa Rica has agreed to accept him as a refugee, and remains a viable and lawful option.”

What does the DOJ say about Liberia?

According to the Department of Justice, Liberia is described as “a thriving democracy” and “committed to the humane treatment of refugees.” Prosecutors described Liberia as a “a thriving democracy and one of the United States’s closest partners on the African continent,” arguing that the country’s constitution “provides robust protections for human rights," as per a report by The New Republic.

Despite the government’s assurances, U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis continues to prohibit any deportation until the court fully reviews the case, leaving Abrego Garcia’s fate uncertain as his legal battle continues to unfold, as per a report by ABC News.

FAQs

Why does DHS want to deport Kilmar Abrego Garcia to Liberia?
DHS claims Liberia has agreed to accept him and provided assurances regarding humane treatment of deported individuals.

What is Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s current legal status?
He remains detained in Pennsylvania under a court order preventing his removal from the U.S.