Trump Administration Pushes to Deport Kilmar Abrego Garcia to Liberia

The Trump administration persisted in its effort to deport Abrego Garcia to Liberia, despite a court order and a new agreement with Costa Rica.

“The United States government has reaffirmed its position that it plans to deport Salvadoran immigrant Kilmar Abrego Garcia to Liberia, despite arguments that doing so would be vindictive”

Al Jazeera

Abrego Garcia has said he would prefer Costa Rica and the government there has indicated it would accept him.

Al Jazeera

He was wrongfully deported to El Salvador in March 2025 despite a protection order.

The Trump administration initially refused to seek his return, arguing he was a gang member, although he had no criminal record.

Judge Xinis barred ICE from deporting or detaining him, describing their efforts as one empty threat after another.

DOJ suggested Abrego Garcia could remove himself to Costa Rica, but Judge Xinis rejected this as unrealistic.

Acting ICE director said sending him to Costa Rica would be prejudicial to the United States.

Dallas News

Critics accused the government of seeking retribution against Abrego Garcia.

Since his return, Abrego Garcia was imprisoned despite having no criminal record.

The African deportation route has drawn sharp criticism.

The Trump administration's strategy to offload nationals onto African nations raised eyebrows domestically and internationally.

Costa Rica's willingness to accept contrasts with the insistence on Liberia with no meaningful ties.

Congressional Democrats demanded briefings on the legal basis.

The immigrant community responded with protests at ICE offices.

The push fuels a wider debate over Trump's deportation drive.