A federal judge has ruled that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) may not re-detain Kilmar Abrego Garcia after finding the government lacks a viable plan to remove him and that a 90-day statutory detention period has expired.
ICE officials had moved to take him back into custody ahead of a required check-in; the judge’s order prevents that action while the court considers further relief.
The decision follows months of litigation over Garcia’s immigration status and prior removal history; advocates say he has long-standing ties in the United States, including family and residence in Maryland.
A separate temporary order issued earlier this winter highlighted the court’s concern about procedural fairness and the government’s shifting deportation plans, noting that officials had considered multiple possible destinations.
The ruling leaves Garcia free for now but does not end the broader legal fight: the government can seek appeal or present a concrete removal plan to the court.
Immigration advocates hailed the decision as a check on what they described as overreach and as an affirmation that detention limits under federal law must be respected.
Officials for ICE and the Department of Homeland Security did not immediately announce next steps.
