Legal Battle Intensifies as Kilmar Abrego Garcia Faces Threat of Deportation to Uganda Amid Guilty Plea Pressure
Kilmar Abrego Garcia, recently released from federal custody, is at the center of a heated legal dispute after the U.S. government reportedly threatened to forcibly deport him to Uganda unless he accepts a guilty plea deal, according to his legal team.
Garcia’s attorneys accuse the Department of Justice (DOJ), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) of coercion. They state the government is effectively forcing Garcia to choose between accepting a plea bargain—which would include deportation to Costa Rica and relative safety—or facing deportation to Uganda, where his safety and liberty could be severely compromised.
Sequence of Events and Government Actions
After his release from pretrial custody on Friday, the government had provided assurances that Costa Rica would accept Garcia. However, mere minutes later, an ICE representative informed Garcia’s counsel that the U.S. planned to deport him to Uganda. Garcia was ordered to report to ICE’s Baltimore Field Office the following Monday.
Further intensifying the situation, DHS reportedly informed Garcia that the plea offer—the option to accept guilt in exchange for deportation to Costa Rica—would expire by the next Monday morning, after which it would no longer be available.
Attorneys’ Statement and Government Response
Garcia’s attorneys argued, “There can be only one interpretation of these events: the DOJ, DHS, and ICE are using their collective powers to force Mr. Abrego to choose between a guilty plea followed by relative safety, or rendition to Uganda, where his safety and liberty would be under threat.”
The DOJ responded by emphasizing the severity of the charges against Garcia. A spokesperson stated, “A federal grand jury has charged Abrego Garcia with serious federal crimes including human trafficking and smuggling offenses, underscoring the clear danger this defendant presents to the community.” DOJ noted that Garcia could either plead guilty and accept responsibility or stand trial, asserting that accountability and public safety remain priorities.
The Department of Homeland Security has not issued a public comment in response to requests.
Political and Judicial Reactions
The controversy has also drawn criticism from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who called Garcia’s release a “new low,” referencing his alleged history as a member of MS-13, a human trafficker, serial domestic abuser, and child predator. She condemned the judge’s decision to free Garcia, reflecting the administration’s tough stance on immigration enforcement.
Background and Upcoming Trial
Kilmar Abrego Garcia had previously been deported mistakenly to El Salvador in March 2025. His most recent release has brought to light the complexity of his immigration and criminal proceedings. Garcia was scheduled for trial on his human smuggling charges on January 27, 2027.
This case highlights ongoing tensions between immigration enforcement policies, legal rights of defendants, and diplomatic assurances from foreign countries amidst serious federal criminal allegations.