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A federal judge has ordered the prompt release of Kilmar Abrego Garcia from detention by ICE, concluding his ongoing confinement is without legal authority.

"Since his return from erroneous detention in El Salvador, he has been taken back into custody, again without legal justification," the judge stated in her ruling.

The situation stems from a erroneous removal to El Salvador earlier this year, which the government later admitted was an mistake. Following his repatriation to the United States to face alien smuggling charges, he was held in federal detention.

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

Background of the Case

The court proceedings center on conflicting claims. Whereas the former administration argues that Abrego Garcia is a affiliate of the MS-13 criminal organization, he categorically disputes this allegation.

He has also entered a not guilty plea to the smuggling charges, which are part of a separate criminal case in Tennessee.

Conditions of Freedom

The court, who was overseeing his challenge to removal in a Maryland district court, ruled that he must now comply with the terms of his release from custody in Tennessee. This order effectively transfers his supervision to the jurisdiction handling his criminal case.

This ruling represents a significant development in a complicated legal case involving allegations of wrongful detention and disputed criminal affiliations.