Immigration Judge Denies Kilmar Abrego Garcia's Bid to Reopen Asylum Case, Upholds Removal Order

An immigration judge in Baltimore denied Kilmar Abrego Garcia's motion to reopen his 2019 asylum case, dealing a significant setback to his efforts to remain in the United States. Garcia, an alleged MS-13 gang member and illegal immigrant, was initially deported to El Salvador but returned to the U.S., where he faces federal human trafficking charges. His attorneys argued that his return made him eligible to reapply for asylum, but the judge ruled the motion "untimely" since it was filed nearly six years after his original immigration proceedings and beyond the 90-day deadline. The judge also found the evidence insufficient to support Garcia's claims that he would face torture or death if deported to El Salvador. The Department of Homeland Security confirmed the ruling, stating Garcia would not be allowed to remain in the country due to his criminal background. Garcia has 30 days to appeal the decision to the Board of Immigration Appeals, while Democrats, including Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen, had previously advocated on his behalf, sparking partisan controversy.