When the Trump administration deported Abrego Garcia in March, it violated a U.S. immigration judge’s order in 2019 that barred his expulsion to his native country. The immigration judge had found that Abrego Garcia faced a credible threat from gangs that had terrorized him and his family.

Justice Department attorney Jonathan Guynn said the removal proceedings would be to a 'third country.' But the prosecutor also said there are 'no imminent plans' to deport Abrego Garcia.