Overview
- In Friday filings, government lawyers asked U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis to dissolve the injunction that prevents re-detention and removal, requesting a ruling by April 17.
- ICE told the court it stands ready to remove Kilmar Abrego Garcia to Liberia on short notice and characterized the injunction as the only impediment to prompt deportation.
- Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons said he will disregard Abrego Garcia’s request for Costa Rica and intends to remove him to Liberia, citing limits on post hoc country designations and U.S. diplomatic commitments.
- An ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations declaration said a contractor prepared a mock itinerary showing a charter flight to Liberia could depart within about five days once authorized, and that Liberia has agreed to accept him.
- A 2019 immigration judge barred deportation to El Salvador; Abrego Garcia was mistakenly sent there in March 2025, then returned to the U.S. in June to face human smuggling charges, pleaded not guilty, and later won longer-term injunctive relief after the court found no realistic third-country plan.