Story perspectives

Judge Orders Release of Deportee Amid Trump Backlash

12/13/2025

Center

Judge Releases Deportee

A U.S. judge ordered the immediate release of Kilmar Abrego after ruling the government lacked a formal deportation order.
Judge Paula Xinis of the U.S. District Court for Maryland issued the ruling.
The U.S. President Donald Trump criticized the decision as "naked judicial activism."
Separately, the administration is ending Temporary Protected Status for Ethiopian citizens, saying the country no longer meets the criteria.

Right

Trump Ends TPS

The Trump administration, under U.S. President Donald Trump, will end Temporary Protected Status for Ethiopian citizens, announced by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
The action follows a review of Ethiopia's conditions, which officials say no longer meet TPS criteria.
The administration previously revoked TPS for migrants from Haiti and Venezuela.
It is halting legacy-case processing under the Cuban and Haitian family reunification parole program.

1 of 2

Judge Releases Deportee

A U.S. judge ordered the immediate release of Kilmar Abrego after ruling the government lacked a formal deportation order.
Judge Paula Xinis of the U.S. District Court for Maryland issued the ruling.
The U.S. President Donald Trump criticized the decision as "naked judicial activism."
Separately, the administration is ending Temporary Protected Status for Ethiopian citizens, saying the country no longer meets the criteria.

1 / 2