U.S. District Judge Waverly Crenshaw threw out two federal alien-smuggling counts against Kilmar Abrego Garcia, clearing the way for his release from immigration detention.
Crenshaw said the case amounted to selective or vindictive prosecution, finding the investigation was tainted after Garcia challenged his mistaken deportation to El Salvador.
The Nashville indictment had accused Garcia of joining a migrant-smuggling operation tied to 2022 transport runs; prosecutors had pursued the case after El Salvador returned him to the United States.
The Justice Department said it plans to appeal, making the ruling the latest clash over how courts are handling prosecutions linked to Trump-era immigration enforcement.
Mistakenly deported and abused, what recourse does Abrego Garcia have beyond the dismissal of charges?
How does a 'vindictive prosecution' ruling impact other immigrants facing charges after challenging the government?
What international laws govern deporting someone to a third country against their will?