Federal judge extends bar on ICE redetaining Kilmar Abrego Garcia

Published December 22, 2025 5:12pm ET



A federal judge extended a pause barring Immigration and Customs Enforcement from detaining Salvadoran National and illegal immigrant Kilmar Abrego Garcia, meaning he will not be in federal immigration custody over the Christmas holiday.

U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis said Monday she would continue to bar Immigration and Customs Enforcement from detaining Abrego Garcia for now as she considers whether to dissolve the halt she imposed against the Trump administration. The federal judge has been highly skeptical, and at times critical, of the Justice Department’s presentations to her regarding Abrego Garcia’s deportation status.

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