Judge Orders Release of Mr. Abrego from Unlawful Custody

Historic Ruling on Unlawful Detention

• ⚖️ Judge Cenis has ordered the immediate release of Mr. Abrego from US custody, ruling his detention unlawful.
• 📌 The core of the ruling states there was no existing removal order on the books since October 10th, 2019, rendering his incarceration unlawful.
• 🏛️ This decision is seen as a significant embarrassment for figures like Christine Nome, Tom Homan, and Donald Trump, who asserted he would never walk free.

Legal Precedent and Government Misconduct

• 📜 Judge Cenis's 31-page ruling, described as "blistering," cites Supreme Court precedent like Zenvidis but finds it insufficient as there was no removal order at all.
• ⚠️ The ruling highlights that the government affirmatively misled the tribunal regarding Costa Rica's willingness to accept Mr. Abrego.
• 📰 A Washington Post article is cited twice, confirming Costa Rica's position that they never closed the door, contradicting government filings made under seal.

Case History and Allegations

• ✈️ The case traces back to the Trump administration, which allegedly sent Mr. Abrego to El Salvador without due process, despite a court order barring his removal.
• ⛓️ He endured detention and alleged torture in El Salvador's Secot prison before being ordered released by multiple courts, including the Supreme Court.
• ⚖️ Upon returning to the US, he faced prosecution on smuggling charges and was subsequently placed in immigration detention.

Government's Pursuit of Removal

• 🌍 The government repeatedly attempted to deport Mr. Abrego to various countries, including Uganda, Ghana, Eswatini, and Liberia, facing rejections from the first three.
• 🤝 Costa Rica was initially presented as an option, but the government's claims about its withdrawal were later exposed as misleading.
• 📉 Mr. Abrego rejected a plea deal that would have sent him to Costa Rica, opting instead to fight the charges at trial.

Future Legal Steps and Independent Media

• 🧐 Judge Cenis noted the government's defiance of court orders and will consider this conduct in pending motions, potentially leading to sanctions.
• 📰 The importance of independent media like All Rise News and The Breakdown is emphasized for covering these cases and holding the government accountable.
• 🎤 Whistleblower testimony from Aryeh Neier is expected in related contempt proceedings, potentially shedding further light on the government's actions.