Trump Administration May Deport Man to Uganda

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The Trump administration may deport Kilmar Abrego Garcia to Uganda in the coming days, according to a notice sent by a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) official to his attorneys on Friday. The notice, made public in court filings in Abrego Garcia’s human smuggling case in Tennessee, arrived shortly after he was released from federal custody pending trial.

“Let this email serve as notice that DHS may remove your client, Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, to Uganda no earlier than 72 hours from now (absent weekends),” the notice stated.

Abrego Garcia, who was previously deported to El Salvador before returning to the United States in June to face federal charges, has been under scrutiny for possible removal to a third country. Until Friday, it was unclear whether the government would allow his trial to proceed before initiating deportation proceedings.

A U.S. District Court ruling last month by Judge Paula Xinis directed the administration to “facilitate” Abrego Garcia’s return from a detention facility in El Salvador. The order also requires that Abrego Garcia and his legal team receive notice in advance of any deportation, allowing him to raise claims that he may face torture or persecution in the designated country.

Court filings on Saturday outlined previous attempts by the government to negotiate a plea deal. Under the proposed agreement, Abrego Garcia would plead guilty to two federal charges and, after serving any sentence, be deported to Costa Rica. Correspondence indicates Costa Rica was willing to accept him as a refugee or provide some form of legal status. The plea offer, renewed Friday evening, carries a deadline of Monday morning for acceptance; the government indicated it would expire if not accepted.

Abrego Garcia’s attorneys described the government’s actions as “vindictive and selective prosecution,” arguing that he is being pressured to choose between a guilty plea followed by relative safety or deportation to Uganda, where his safety and liberty could be at risk.

“This situation places Mr. Abrego in a difficult position, forcing him to weigh his legal rights against potential personal danger,” the court filings stated. The lawyers have requested that the case be dismissed on these grounds.

Legal experts note that the case highlights the complex intersection of U.S. immigration enforcement and human rights protections, particularly regarding deportation to third countries. Observers suggest the proceedings could set a precedent for how federal authorities handle individuals previously removed unlawfully from the United States.

As the situation develops, Abrego Garcia’s legal team is expected to continue pressing the court for protection against deportation to Uganda, while advocating for his right to a fair trial without coercion. DHS and other federal agencies have not commented publicly beyond the filings.

The outcome of this case will likely have implications for both U.S. immigration policy and legal precedent regarding deportations to third nations, drawing attention from human rights groups and immigration advocates.