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A federal judge has ruled the immediate discharge of Kilmar Abrego Garcia from detention by ICE, concluding his ongoing confinement is without lawful basis.

"Since his release after erroneous detention in El Salvador, he has been re-detained, again without lawful authority," Judge Paula Xinis stated in her ruling.

The situation stems from a erroneous deportation to El Salvador in March, which US authorities later acknowledged was an error. Following his return to the United States to answer human smuggling charges, he was detained in federal detention.

In her order, the judge noted that the authorities does not have a current removal order, which effectively blocks them from deporting Mr. Abrego Garcia "at this juncture."

Context of the Case

The legal proceedings center on disputed claims. Whereas the former administration argues that Abrego Garcia is a member of the MS-13 gang, he vehemently disputes this allegation.

He has also pleaded not guilty to the smuggling counts, which are part of a ongoing criminal case in Tennessee.

Conditions of Release

The court, who was overseeing his challenge to removal in a Maryland district court, ruled that he must now adhere to the terms of his bond from custody in Tennessee. This order shifts his supervision to the Tennessee court.

This decision marks a notable development in a complicated immigration battle involving allegations of mistaken imprisonment and disputed criminal associations.