Kilmer Abrego Garcia was released from a jail in Putnam County, Tennessee, on August 22, 2025. His release comes after he was deported to Uganda by the Trump administration, refused a last-minute prison contract, and pleaded guilty to charges related to human smuggling, according to his lawyer’s statement on Saturday.
Abrego’s attorneys argue that he is facing a “selective and vindictive shaming prosecution” by the government, particularly after he protested against his unlawful deportation at Salvadra Prison in March. He maintains that he is indeed a victim of such targeted prosecution.
Having been released recently, Abrego is currently awaiting trial for human smuggling charges. He lives in Maryland with his wife and children. His illegal deportation to El Salvador in March has drawn ongoing attention to the Trump administration’s immigration policies. Abrego entered a not guilty plea to the charges he faces.
A government contract presented to him late Thursday required him to plead guilty to smuggling charges in Tennessee and complete a court sentence if he remained incarcerated until Monday. The Costa Rican government had indicated its willingness to accept him, according to the submission.
Abrego’s legal team communicated with Attorney Rob McGuire, who is handling the Tennessee case. McGuire declined to consent to the government’s proposal, stating he would inform Mr. Abrego about it but insisted on staying in jail until Monday.
On Friday afternoon, Abrego was released from detention. However, shortly after his release, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reportedly ordered him to notify his lawyers regarding his potential deportation to Uganda and to report to the Baltimore office.
“The only thing that took place between Thursday—regarding Costa Rica—and Friday—regarding Uganda—was the exercise of his legal rights for release under the Bail Reform Act and the Fifth Amendment,” his lawyer remarked.
Later that evening, officials reaffirmed to Abrego that he could accept the plea deal in exchange for deportation to Costa Rica by Monday morning.
“These events can only be interpreted in one way: the Department of Justice and ICE are leveraging their collective authority to force Abrego to choose between safety and deportation to Uganda, where his safety and freedom are at risk,” stated his legal team.
They have already filed a motion to dismiss the criminal charges against Abrego, describing it as a clear instance of “selective and respectable prosecution” instigated by the Trump administration.
The ultimatum from the Trump administration seems to bolster Abrego’s claim of vindictiveness, according to their latest legal filing.
“The Department of Justice and Homeland Security appear to be collaborating to pressure Abrego into accepting guilty pleas in his criminal cases, all while threatening his safety,” the lawyer added.
