Federal Courts and Litigation

The Justice Department asked Judge Paula Xinis to dissolve her August order blocking third‑country removals and permit deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia to Liberia, arguing Liberia has provided “sufficient and credible” assurances, that courts should not second‑guess the State Department’s diplomatic determination, and that his due‑process rights should be limited because he entered illegally. Xinis pressed DOJ for a final removal order, criticized its filings as inadequate, noted a USCIS asylum officer rejected his fear claim, heard the defense invoke a 2020 Supreme Court precedent and Abrego Garcia’s designation of Costa Rica, and warned that absent a final order she may order his release under Zadvydas as ICE officials prepare to testify and DOJ pursues other third‑country removal options.