Federal judge prohibits immigration officials from detaining Kilmar Abrego Garcia

A federal judge on Friday prohibited immigration officials from detaining Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a day after the court ordered his release from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody.

Abrego Garcia's lawyers asked the judge to block authorities from detaining him again, as he was appearing Friday morning for a scheduled appointment at an ICE field office, The Associated Press reported.

U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis in Maryland, an Obama appointee, said that officials cannot re-detain him until the court conducts a hearing on the motion for the temporary restraining order.

Abrego Garcia said at a news conference on Friday, “I stand here today with my head held high and I will continue to fight and stand firm against all of the injustices this government has done upon me. Regardless of this administration, I believe this is a country of laws and I believe that this injustice will come to an end.”

Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg, Abrego Garcia’s attorney, said he is prepared to defend his client against further deportation efforts.

“The government still has plenty of tools in their toolbox, plenty of tricks up their sleeve,” Sandoval-Moshenberg said, adding that he expects the government to take steps to deport his client again. “We’re going to be there to fight to make sure there is a fair trial.”

The Department of Homeland Security criticized Xinis’ order and vowed to appeal, calling the ruling “naked judicial activism” by a judge appointed during the Obama administration.

“This order lacks any valid legal basis, and we will continue to fight this tooth and nail in the courts,” DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said.