A federal judge in Maryland ordered the immediate release of Kilmar Abrego Garcia from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody on Thursday, ending his most recent period of immigration detention.
Court officials confirmed the ruling, which applies only to Abrego Garcia’s detention and does not resolve his underlying immigration case or other pending legal matters. The specific reasoning for the judge’s decision was not publicly detailed.
ICE, the federal agency under the Department of Homeland Security, oversees the apprehension, detention, and removal of noncitizens subject to deportation under U.S. law. Individuals in ICE custody can seek release through bond hearings, administrative review, and federal court petitions.
Details regarding Abrego Garcia’s detention, including its length, the facility where he was held, and the original basis for his custody, were not immediately available. ICE had not issued a public statement on the judge’s order, and it was unclear whether the agency would pursue further legal action.
Abrego Garcia’s release takes effect immediately. He remains subject to the broader U.S. immigration system and any future proceedings related to his case.