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A federal judge has ordered the prompt release of Kilmar Abrego Garcia from detention by ICE, concluding his continued confinement lacks lawful basis.

"Since Abrego Garcia's return from erroneous detention in El Salvador, he has been re-detained, again without legal justification," the judge stated in her order.

The situation stems from a erroneous deportation to El Salvador earlier this year, which US authorities later admitted was an error. After his return to the United States to answer alien smuggling charges, he was detained in federal custody.

In her decision, the court noted that the government does not have a valid removal order, which prevents them from deporting Mr. Abrego Garcia "at this time."

Context of the Case

The legal proceedings involve conflicting claims. While the former administration contends that Abrego Garcia is a member of the MS-13 criminal organization, he categorically disputes this claim.

He has also entered a not guilty plea to the conspiracy charges, which are part of a ongoing criminal case in Tennessee.

Conditions of Freedom

The judge, who was overseeing his challenge to removal in a Maryland district court, determined that he must now comply with the terms of his bond from custody in Tennessee. This order shifts his supervision to the jurisdiction handling his criminal case.

This ruling marks a notable development in a complex legal battle featuring allegations of wrongful detention and disputed gang associations.