Judge Crenshaw Dismisses 32-Page Indictment Against Kilmar Garcia as DOJ Plans Appeal
Updated
Updated · Fox News · May 29
Judge Crenshaw Dismisses 32-Page Indictment Against Kilmar Garcia as DOJ Plans Appeal
5 articles · Updated · Fox News · May 29
A federal judge in Tennessee threw out the criminal case against Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, ruling prosecutors had not overcome a presumption that the charges were brought vindictively after his court-ordered return to the U.S.
Crenshaw’s 32-page order said Homeland Security had closed the investigation in April 2025 after Garcia’s deportation and that the case was revived only after federal courts forced the government to bring him back.
The indictment had accused Garcia of joining a trafficking conspiracy from 2016, making at least 100 trips moving six to 10 migrants at a time, and sometimes transporting firearms and narcotics.
The Justice Department said it intends to appeal, keeping alive a case that also alleges Garcia transported MS-13 members and associates into the United States.
Why was a major smuggling indictment dismissed on procedural grounds despite witness testimony before a grand jury?
When a deported suspect returns by court order, is prosecuting them a second chance for justice or unfair retaliation?
A judge freed an accused smuggler, citing 'vindictive' prosecution. What defines the line between protecting rights and ensuring public safety?