Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

mahatmakanejeeves

(71,528 posts)
Mon Jun 22, 2026, 10:06 PM 20 hrs ago

DOJ to appeal dismissal of human trafficking charges against Kilmar Abrego Garcia

Source: WTOP

DOJ to appeal dismissal of human trafficking charges against Kilmar Abrego Garcia

Alan Etter | alan.etter@wtop.com
June 22, 2026, 9:10 PM

The U.S. Department of Justice will appeal a judge’s ruling dismissing human trafficking charges against Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the Maryland man mistakenly deported to a prison in his native El Salvador in March of 2025 then ordered returned to the U.S., where he was again detained and accused of human smuggling.

In a notice issued Monday, hours before an appeals deadline, the DOJ said it would appeal the dismissal to the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Ohio. ... The Tennessee judge who dismissed the human trafficking charges said he did so because they were brought “selectively and vindictively.”

Abrego Garcia was in a van in 2022 that was stopped by Tennessee State Police. Several people in the van could not provide identification or proof of citizenship, but they were let go at the time with a warning. The case was eventually dropped but revived after Abrego Garcia was ordered returned to the U.S. from El Salvador.

The Trump administration admitted Abrego Garcia’s initial deportation was a clerical error but continued to insist, without proof, that he was a member of the MS-13 criminal gang. ... Now the government is expected to request that the dismissal ruling be dissolved as it attempts to deport him again — possibly to Liberia or another country.

Get breaking news and daily headlines delivered to your email inbox by signing up here.

© 2026 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area

Read more: https://wtop.com/maryland/2026/06/d-o-j-to-appeal-dismissal-of-human-trafficking-charges-against-maryland-man-wrongly-deported-in-2025/

3 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
DOJ to appeal dismissal of human trafficking charges against Kilmar Abrego Garcia (Original Post) mahatmakanejeeves 20 hrs ago OP
The fuckers at the Justice Department were given an opportunity to explain why hookaleft 19 hrs ago #1
Let this man and his family go to Costa Rico where they can live their lives in peace. They'll never have that here. Deuxcents 19 hrs ago #2
When it's all finally over... Escape 19 hrs ago #3

hookaleft

(1,255 posts)
1. The fuckers at the Justice Department were given an opportunity to explain why
Mon Jun 22, 2026, 10:37 PM
19 hrs ago

the case was not vindictive by the court and they refused to answer....for months. The Judge was left with no alternative but to dismiss the case on vindictive prosecution grounds.

Deuxcents

(28,175 posts)
2. Let this man and his family go to Costa Rico where they can live their lives in peace. They'll never have that here.
Mon Jun 22, 2026, 10:43 PM
19 hrs ago

This is revenge for the mistake DOJ made in the first place.

Escape

(543 posts)
3. When it's all finally over...
Mon Jun 22, 2026, 11:03 PM
19 hrs ago

this man should be given many millions of dollars restitution for the relentless harassment the Trump goons have dealt him

Latest Discussions»Latest Breaking News»DOJ to appeal dismissal o...