Judge rules Kilmar Abrego Garcia can't be re-detained by immigration authorities

Kevin R. Johnson

17 Feb 2026 — 1 min read

Official Department of Homeland Security Photo

The administration did not agree with the ruling that Kilmar Abrego Garcia could not be re-detained by U.S. immigration authorities. Newsweek published this quote: “`If this matter were actually about the law or due process, Kilmar Abrego Garcia would already be deported and would never set foot in this country again,' Tricia McLaughlin, assistant secretary for public affairs at the Department of Homeland Security, said in a statement, adding `Judge Xinis will not be satisfied until he is authorized to live in the United States forever.'"

News agencies reported today that Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin plans to leave the agency at the end of February.

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Apps Open for Guadalajara Program Jan 8-13, 2027

Urban Institute: Impacts of Heightened Immigration Enforcement on Children’s Education by Hamutal Bernstein, Diana Guelespe, Laura Betancur, Julio Salas

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Law360: BREAKING: Justices To Weigh If Cooking For Terrorists Bars Asylum