Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a 30-year-old father of three from Maryland, is once again facing the threat of deportation, sparking protests and vigils in Baltimore. Earlier this year, he was wrongly deported to El Salvador despite having legal protection. A court later ordered his return, but now U.S. immigration authorities are pressuring him to accept deportation to Costa Rica as part of a plea deal, or risk being sent to Uganda, a country with no ties to him and where his safety is uncertain.
Supporters, family members, and advocacy groups have rallied to his side, holding a vigil outside the Baltimore ICE field office. They argue that Abrego Garcia is being unfairly targeted and punished for asserting his rights. Community leaders and organizations, including CASA, describe him as a symbol of the fight against unlawful deportations.
Abrego Garcia’s case has become a national story because it highlights flaws in the immigration system. Despite a judge ruling that he is neither dangerous nor a flight risk, his future remains in limbo. His supporters say his situation is a test of America’s commitment to due process and justice, warning that if his rights can be ignored, so can the rights of countless others.