Dec. 11 (UPI) -- A federal judge ordered on Thursday the immediate release of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a wrongfully deported Salvadoran now facing U.S. charges by the Trump administration.
Immigration Customs Enforcement officials sought to deport Abrego Garcia to an African nation where he has no connection, despite his ongoing protection from removal to El Salvador.
"Because Abrego Garcia has been held in ICE detention to effectuate third-country removal absent a lawful removal order, his requested relief is proper," according to U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis.
The judge mandated his "immediate" release and required a U.S. government status update by 5 p.m. EST.
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