The Trump administration has sent a notice to the lawyers of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran national facing federal charges, warning that he may be deported to Uganda in the coming days. The notice was made public in a court filing and was seen by the government as an attempt to “coerce” Abrego Garcia into accepting a plea deal.
According to the notice, DHS officials have hinted at the possibility of deporting Abrego Garcia to a third country, but it was unclear whether they would allow his trial to conclude before initiating removal proceedings. However, on Friday, the administration sent the notice, stating that Abrego Garcia may be removed to Uganda as early as 72 hours from now.
Abrego Garcia’s lawyers have accused the government of using this move as retaliation for their client exercising his constitutional rights. They claim that the government is trying to punish him by offering a deal that would allow him to plead guilty and be deported to Costa Rica, where he can visit his family easily. However, they argue that the administration is trying to force Abrego Garcia into making a difficult choice between accepting a plea deal or being sent to Uganda.
The lawyers point out that the government’s actions are vindictive and selective, citing the offer of deportation to Costa Rica as evidence. They claim that this case should be dismissed due to the government’s apparent attempt to punish their client for exercising his rights.
It is worth noting that a ruling last month by US District Judge Paula Xinis ordered the administration to facilitate Abrego Garcia’s return from El Salvador, where he was unlawfully deported earlier this year. The judge’s order requires DHS officials to give him and his lawyers at least 72 business hours’ notice before carrying out any deportation to a third country.
The case highlights concerns about the Trump administration’s immigration policies and their treatment of asylum seekers.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/08/23/politics/kilmar-abrego-garcia-uganda-deport