Lawyer Claims Kilmar Abrego Garcia's Arrest Was Retaliation for Fighting Deportation

Legal Team's Statement on Kilmar Abrego Garcia's Arrest

• ⚖️ Kilmar Abrego Garcia was taken into ICE custody on Monday morning, shortly after being released from jail in Tennessee.
• 💡 His lawyer, Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg, stated that the arrest was not for an interview as claimed, but a punitive measure.

Allegations of Retaliation and Constitutional Rights

• 🎯 The arrest is alleged to be a punishment for Mr. Garcia exercising his constitutional rights.
• ✊ These rights include fighting against illegal deportation to El Salvador, speaking out about torture he experienced there, refusing to have his arm twisted for a guilty plea, and exercising his right to a jury trial.
• 🏠 He also had the right under the Bail Reform Act to leave prison and return home to his family, which the detention prevents.

Lack of Transparency from ICE

• ❓ When questioned, the ICE officer did not provide a reason for the detention, the specific detention center, or any paperwork being served.

New Lawsuit Filed

• 🏛️ A new lawsuit has been filed in the Federal District Court for the District of Maryland challenging Mr. Garcia's confinement and potential deportation.
• 🚫 The suit seeks to prevent his deportation to any country unless he receives a fair trial in immigration court and has his full appeal rights.
• 📜 A 2019 trial resulted in a judge's order preventing his deportation to El Salvador, a decision the government did not appeal.

Support and Gratitude

• ❤️ Mr. Garcia and his family are exceedingly grateful for the tremendous support shown by many.
• 🌍 He had feared being forgotten, and the widespread support has profoundly touched him.