Kilmar Abrego Garcia Case Update: Attorney Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg After Maryland Court Hearing

Court Hearing Recap and Family Support

• 🗣️ Jennifer, Kilmar's wife, expressed deep gratitude for the immense support received since day one of their family's fight.
• 🙏 She conveyed their family's unwavering faith and determination to see Kilmar return home to his children.

ICE's Stance on Deportation Decisions

• ⚖️ Thomas Giles, third in command at ICE, testified that no decisions have been made regarding Kilmar Abrego Garcia's destination country.
• 📌 ICE will only begin making these decisions once Mr. Abrego Garcia is released from criminal custody and transferred to ICE custody.
• 🌍 Potential countries for deportation mentioned include Mexico and South Sudan, but no firm decisions have been made.
• ⏱️ ICE can provide as little as a few hours' notice regarding the specific country of deportation, even on the same day of departure.

Legal Arguments and Next Steps

• 🏛️ The court will hear arguments on whether the current process, which may involve same-day notice for deportation, is sufficient.
• 📢 The legal team will argue that Mr. Abrego Garcia is entitled to meaningful notice and an opportunity to be heard by an immigration judge before being deported.
• 🗓️ Judge Zennis aims to issue a ruling before Wednesday, the next scheduled hearing in the criminal matter in Tennessee, to prevent potential deportation before that date.
• ✈️ There is concern that ICE might attempt to deport Mr. Abrego Garcia immediately upon release from criminal custody, as happened previously when he was sent to El Salvador without prior knowledge of his destination.

Government's Refusal and Legal Strategy

• 🚫 The government refused to agree to a 48-hour hold on Mr. Abrego Garcia's deportation after he enters ICE custody, indicating an intent to expedite his removal.
• ⚖️ The legal team hopes the judge will issue an order requiring written notice of the destination country and adequate time to apply for protection under withholding of removal before deportation.
• 🎤 Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg provided comments in both English and Spanish, emphasizing the urgency of the legal proceedings.