Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a 29-year-old Salvadoran national, will be released without bail, a judge ruled on June 25th. However, this seemingly positive development is immediately countered by the likelihood of his transfer to immigration custody. The case highlights a complex legal battle involving deportation, gang allegations, and international legal wrangling.

Abrego Garcia, who entered the United States illegally over ten years ago, was deported to El Salvador in March by the Trump administration. The administration alleged his affiliation with the MS-13 gang, sending him to a maximum-security prison despite a 2019 court order preventing his removal. His legal team vehemently denies these claims.

A recent court decision deemed his initial deportation unlawful, leading to his return to the United States earlier this month. While the judge’s order for pre-trial release without bail might seem like a victory, the looming prospect of immigration detention underscores the ongoing uncertainty surrounding his future in the country. This situation underscores the complex interplay between criminal justice and immigration law, leaving Abrego Garcia’s fate hanging in the balance.