- A federal judge dismissed a criminal case against Salvadoran immigrant Kilmar Abrego Garcia, ruling that federal prosecutors unlawfully targeted him after he won a lawsuit challenging his wrongful deportation .
- Judge Waverly Crenshaw found "objective evidence" that prosecutors brought charges against Abrego Garcia only after his legal victory, indicating a "vindictive motive" that tainted the investigation.
- Abrego Garcia was previously deported to a Salvadoran prison where he endured torture, and his return to the U.S. was mandated by several federal judges and a unanimous Supreme Court.
- Upon his return, he faced charges of illegally moving other immigrants, which he pleaded not guilty to, while administration officials made public statements linking the case to his lawsuit.
- The Justice Department called the judge's order "wrong and dangerous" and announced plans to appeal, while Abrego Garcia's legal team had argued he was singled out for fighting back against injustice.
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