Judge pauses Kilmar Abrego Garcia's release from federal custody

A magistrate judge paused Kilmar Abrego Garcia's release from federal custody Wednesday, shortly after a separate judge ruled that Abrego, who was mistakenly deported in March to El Salvador, should be released while he awaits trial on human smuggling charges.U.S.

A magistrate judge paused Kilmar Abrego Garcia's release from federal custody Wednesday, shortly after a separate judge ruled that Abrego, who was mistakenly deported in March to El Salvador, should be released while he awaits trial on human smuggling charges.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Barbara Holmes in the Middle District of Tennessee ordered Abrego’s release from federal custody paused for 30 days or until further court order.

“Abrego shall therefore remain in the custody of the United States Marshal pending further order,” she wrote.

The pause, which both parties asked for, will allow the government the opportunity to appeal and Abrego’s legal team the chance to seek further relief.

It followed back-to-back rulings from U.S. District Judges Waverly Crenshaw in Nashville, Tennessee, and Judge Paula Xinis in Maryland that ordered Abrego's release and blocked his detention by immigration authorities in Tennessee.