Federal judge dismisses criminal charges against Kilmar Abrego Garcia
A federal judge in Tennessee has dismissed criminal charges against Kilmar Abrego Garcia, an immigrant wrongfully deported to El Salvador. The charges, related to human smuggling, were deemed vindictive and linked to a successful lawsuit by Abrego Garcia challenging his deportation. The Department of Homeland Security criticized the ruling, asserting that Abrego Garcia's removal order remains in effect.
- ▪Kilmar Abrego Garcia was wrongfully deported to El Salvador before the charges were filed.
- ▪The charges stemmed from a 2022 traffic stop in Tennessee.
- ▪U.S. District Judge Waverly Crenshaw ruled that the investigation was tainted by vindictiveness related to Abrego Garcia's lawsuit.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Immigration Federal judge dismisses criminal charges against Kilmar Abrego Garcia May 22, 20265:13 PM ET Sergio Martínez-Beltrán Kilmar Abrego Garcia speaks during a rally and prayer vigil for him before he enters a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) field office on August 25, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland. Andrew Harnik/Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Andrew Harnik/Getty Images A federal judge in Tennessee on Friday dismissed criminal charges against Kilmar Abrego García, an immigrant who was wrongfully deported to El Salvador. Abrego Garcia was charged last year with human smuggling after being returned to the U.S. The charges stem from a 2022 traffic stop in Tennessee.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at NPR — News.