US Deportation Agency Reaffirms Plans for Abrego Garcias Removal to Liberia

US Government Reiterates Deportation Plans for Salvadoran Immigrant Kilmar Abrego Garcia

A US federal judge has reaffirmed that the government plans to deport Salvadoran immigrant Kilmar Abrego Garcia to Liberia, despite arguments from his lawyers and the country of Costa Rica. On Tuesday, lawyers representing the Trump administration told Judge Paula Xinis that Liberia remains the preferred destination for Abrego Garcia’s deportation.

Abrego Garcia had previously been wrongfully deported to El Salvador in March 2025, less than three months into President Donald Trump’s second term. He was later returned to the US and is currently fighting criminal charges related to human smuggling. His lawyers have argued that he should be sent to Costa Rica instead of Liberia, citing an agreement between the two countries to accept removals from the US.

The government has maintained its position on deporting Abrego Garcia to Liberia, despite questions about its motive. The Trump administration initially described his initial deportation as an “administrative error” and refused to seek his return, arguing that he was a gang member and subject to El Salvador’s leadership. However, this stance was later reversed after the US Supreme Court ruled in favor of Abrego Garcia’s return.

In recent months, Abrego Garcia has been released from immigration detention twice, only to be re-arrested by authorities. The government has changed its proposed destination for his deportation multiple times, initially targeting Uganda before settling on Liberia. A hearing is scheduled for April 28 to determine the final destination of Abrego Garcia’s deportation.

The case has sparked scrutiny over the legality of Trump’s mass deportation campaign, with critics accusing the US government of seeking retribution against Abrego Garcia.

Source: Al Jazeera