U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis ruled Thursday that Kilmar Abrego Garcia must be released from ICE custody immediately.
Abrego Garcia must be freed from immigration detention while he works to remain in the United States, Xinis ruled.
U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen visited Garcia in April while he was imprisoned in El Salvador. He has spoken out numerous times to demand that the Prince George’s County resident receive due process.
Following his meeting with Abrego Garcia, Van Hollen said Abrego Garcia was “essentially seized illegally,” adding, “I am not vouching for a person. I am vouching for his right to due process.”
After learning of the judge’s ruling, Van Hollen wrote on social media, “For months, the Trump Administration has sought to deny Kilmar Ábrego Garcia his rights to due process and fair treatment by our justice system. Today’s ruling by Judge Xinis – requiring the government to immediately release him – is a forceful stand for our Constitution and all of our rights.”
During Abrego Garcia’s detention, people regularly gathered at the Salvadoran consulate in Downtown Silver Spring to protest.
