Story perspectives

Trump Pushes Deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia to Liberia

3/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump is pushing to deport Kilmar Abrego Garcia to Liberia.
Todd Lyons, Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), says Abrego Garcia forfeited his right to Costa Rica.
Lyons also warns that abandoning Liberia could harm U.S. diplomatic credibility.
A federal judge, Paula Xinis, is expected to rule by April 17.
Abrego Garcia was deported to El Salvador in 2025 before being ordered back to the United States.

History

Historical Context

The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, also known as the Hart-Celler Act, abolished national origin quotas that had restricted immigration since the 1920s. This pivotal legislation led to a significant increase in immigrants from Latin America, with over 300,000 arriving annually by the 1970s. Current deportation efforts, such as those involving Kilmar Abrego Garcia, highlight ongoing challenges in U.S. immigration policy and its diplomatic implications.

1 of 2

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump is pushing to deport Kilmar Abrego Garcia to Liberia.
Todd Lyons, Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), says Abrego Garcia forfeited his right to Costa Rica.
Lyons also warns that abandoning Liberia could harm U.S. diplomatic credibility.
A federal judge, Paula Xinis, is expected to rule by April 17.
Abrego Garcia was deported to El Salvador in 2025 before being ordered back to the United States.

1 / 2