Key Point Summary – Abrego Garcia Deportation

• White House calls reports of third-country deportation “fake news”
• AP report quoted DOJ prosecutor saying deportation to third country was planned
• Abrego Garcia returned to U.S. after wrongful deportation to El Salvador
• He now faces trial for alleged human smuggling
• DHS confirms ICE doesn’t disclose removal plans until completed
• DOJ insists he will face full justice system and prison time
• Legal motion hearing set for July 7 on his custody status

White House Calls Deportation Report ‘Fake News’

The White House is rejecting reports that Kilmar Abrego Garcia could be deported to a third country. Press secretary Abigail Jackson flatly denied the claim Thursday night, calling it “fake news” in a post on X.

“Abrego Garcia was returned to the United States to face trial for the egregious charges against him,” she said. “He will face the full force of the American justice system — including serving time in American prison for the crimes he’s committed.”

Her statement came just hours after a DOJ prosecutor told a federal judge that deportation to a third country was under consideration.

Courtroom Clash Over Removal Plans

At a Thursday hearing in Maryland, Deputy Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Guynn was asked about Garcia’s fate. When Judge Paula Xinis pressed whether the government planned to send him back to El Salvador or somewhere else, Guynn answered: “To a third country is my understanding.”

That response fueled media reports suggesting Garcia could soon be deported again — this time not to his homeland, but to an undisclosed nation.

The conflicting messages sparked backlash and confusion.

Returned After Wrongful Deportation

Kilmar Abrego Garcia, originally from El Salvador, was returned to the U.S. earlier this month after being wrongfully deported before standing trial. He faces charges related to human smuggling but has pleaded not guilty.

He was ordered released from prison in Tennessee while awaiting legal proceedings. Now, his legal team fears ICE may try to deport him again before his court date arrives.

His lawyers said they were alarmed by the possibility of a quiet weekend removal by immigration agents, just as his release was being processed.

Justice Department Holds Its Line

A DOJ spokesperson tried to clarify the government’s stance, stating Abrego Garcia “will not walk free in our country again.” But the agency didn’t confirm or deny the third-country claim directly.

Meanwhile, DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin reiterated ICE policy: “Due to operational security, ICE does not confirm future removal operations until they have landed in respective countries.”

The agency’s silence hasn’t helped calm fears.

What’s Next?

A motion hearing has been scheduled for July 7 in Maryland, where federal judges will determine whether to return Abrego Garcia from Tennessee to Maryland for trial.

Until then, his legal status remains in flux. Though White House officials insist he’ll face justice in the U.S., courtroom statements continue to raise doubts.

At the heart of the matter is whether the Trump administration’s broader deportation policy — which allows removal to third countries — will be used against Abrego Garcia.

For now, one side says “fake news.” The other fears a silent plane ride.