• A U.S. federal judge pressed the Trump administration on the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia to Liberia.
• Judge Paula Xinis questioned why Costa Rica was not considered as a removal destination.
• Abrego Garcia has been wrongfully deported previously, raising concerns about due process rights.

A federal judge in Maryland, U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis, scrutinized the Trump administration's intent to deport Kilmar Abrego Garcia to Liberia amid concerns of legal and human rights implications. During a court hearing, Judge Xinis sought clarifications from Justice Department attorneys regarding the basis for choosing Liberia as the destination instead of Costa Rica, which Abrego Garcia has expressed willingness to accept, citing a favorable asylum offer from the Costa Rican government. The judge pointedly asked, "Is there any insight you could shed as to why we are proceeding towards Liberia as the final third country, instead of Costa Rica?" according to ABC News and Al Jazeera.

Abrego Garcia’s deportation has a complex history, including a previous wrongful deportation to El Salvador in March, where he faced severe conditions despite a 2019 court order that barred his removal due to threats against his safety. The court had previously recognized a "well-founded fear" of gang violence that Abrego Garcia faced, which complicates the efficacy of his potential removal to Liberia, a country to which he has no ties, stated his attorney Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg. He described the plan to deport to Liberia as "cruel and unconstitutional," a sentiment echoed by advocacy groups calling for protection of immigrant rights, as reported by The Hill and Africa News.

During the hearing, Judge Xinis emphasized the importance of adhering to the injunction currently in place, which blocks deportation pending resolution of Abrego Garcia's legal challenges, including accusations from the government portraying him as linked to the MS-13 gang, allegations he and his family vehemently deny. The Judge remarked on the implications of deportation on the ongoing criminal proceedings against Abrego Garcia in Tennessee, stating that coordinating actions between civil and criminal cases would be necessary to ensure justice is served, according to ABC News, The Hill, and Al Jazeera.

Abrego Garcia’s situation has become emblematic of broader issues within U.S. immigration policy, particularly the administration's use of third countries for deportations, which has been met with considerable public opposition. The case raises fundamental questions about due process and the treatment of individuals facing deportation in the context of alleged political motivations behind their removal. The judge's order and clarifications sought represent a critical juncture in determining the fate of Abrego Garcia amid a contentious legal landscape, as highlighted by Africa News and The Hill.