Kilmar Abrego Garcia is released from ICE custody following judge's order

Judge Paula Xinis of the U.S. District Court in Maryland ordered Abrego be released immediately, citing a lack of a final order of removal for Abrego.

A federal judge blocked the government from re-detaining Kilmar Abrego Garcia at a scheduled Immigration and Customs Enforcement check-in on Friday morning.

The intervention came after the same judge ruled Thursday that the Trump administration lacked the legal authority to continue holding Abrego in an immigration detention center.

Abrego was detained during a similar scheduled check-in in August.

Ahead of the check-in, Abrego addressed a crowd of supporters outside the courthouse in Spanish.

“I stand before you as a free man, and I want you to remember me this way, with my head held up high,” Abrego said. “I stand here today with my head held up high, and I will continue to fight and stand firm against all the injustices this government has done upon me.”