Overview
- U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis issued a temporary order that blocks a planned removal to Liberia and keeps prior injunctions against re‑detention and third‑country deportation in place.
- Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons asked the court to dissolve the injunctions, claiming Abrego lost any chance to name Costa Rica in 2019 and requesting a decision by April 17.
- Lyons cited high‑level talks with Liberia and warned that backing out could undermine U.S. diplomatic reliability, asserting a removal could be carried out within days.
- Abrego opposes removal to Liberia, remains in the United States, and has agreed to go to Costa Rica, which his lawyers say would accept him as a refugee.
- The case stems from ICE’s mistaken 2025 deportation to El Salvador despite a 2019 withholding of removal, as DHS now stresses illegal presence and alleges MS‑13 ties that his lawyers dispute.