WASHINGTON — A federal judge in Maryland denied the Justice Department’s request to pause Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s deportation fight during the government shutdown.

U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis ruled at a court hearing Monday that she would not delay the case given its significance not only to Abrego Garcia but also due to the “important fundamental questions” at stake.

“I’m just duty-bound to continue it,” she told the lawyers.

The Salvadoran migrant’s situation and complicated legal proceedings have emerged as a symbol of the Trump administration’s hard-line — and hotly contested — immigration policies. He rose to prominence after he filed a high-profile lawsuit in March challenging his wrongful deportation to a notorious prison in El Salvador.

Abrego Garcia is fighting his expulsio

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