Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was wrongfully deported to a high-security prison in El Salvador, has been notified by immigration authorities that he may be deported to Uganda. This notification came less than 24 hours after his release from federal custody. A source familiar with the case indicated that Abrego could be removed to Uganda within 72 hours, excluding weekends.

Abrego, a father of three, was mistakenly deported to El Salvador’s CECOT prison in March due to what officials described as an administrative error. This deportation contradicted a 2019 withholding of removal order that prevents his deportation to El Salvador, where he faces potential persecution from violent gangs. However, the 2019 order does not protect him from being deported to other countries.

After months of legal battles, the Trump administration returned Abrego to the U.S. in June. Upon his return, he was immediately detained and charged with conspiracy to unlawfully transport illegal aliens for financial gain. He has pleaded not guilty to these charges. The administration has also accused him of being affiliated with the violent gang MS-13, claims that his lawyers and family members have consistently denied.

On Friday, Abrego was released on parole from a jail near Nashville, Tennessee, and returned to Maryland, where he was reunited with his family after nearly six months apart. In a statement, he expressed gratitude for the support he received during his ordeal. "Today has been a very special day because I have seen my family for the first time in more than 160 days," he said. "We are steps closer to justice, but justice has not been fully served."

Abrego's lead attorney, Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg, criticized the government's actions, stating that it is "preposterous" to consider sending him to a country where he does not speak the language and where there are documented human rights violations. He vowed to fight against any deportation to Uganda or other African nations.

The Trump administration had previously offered Abrego a plea deal to be deported to Costa Rica if he pleaded guilty to the charges against him. However, after he declined the offer, immigration authorities informed him of the potential deportation to Uganda. His attorneys have been instructed to report to immigration authorities in Baltimore on Monday.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem condemned Abrego's release, labeling it a "new low" and asserting that the administration would continue to pursue his removal from the U.S. The White House has maintained that Abrego poses a danger to the community, with a spokesperson stating, "He will face justice for his crimes."

Abrego's legal troubles stem from a 2022 traffic stop in Tennessee, where he was driving with nine passengers. Although police suspected human smuggling, they did not charge him at that time. His trial is scheduled for January, and if he is deported, he may not face the charges against him.