The Maryland office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today welcomed a federal court’s decision ordering the release of Kilmar Abrego Garcia from immigration detention and affirming fundamental due-process protections. U.S. District Court Judge Paula Xinis found that the federal government lacked lawful authority to continue detaining Mr. Abrego Garcia after a valid removal order was absent, underscoring the constitutional right to fair treatment under the law.
SEE: Federal judge issues order to prohibit immigration officials from detaining Kilmar Abrego Garcia
Mr. Abrego Garcia – Maryland resident, union sheet-metal worker, father of three, and longstanding member of his community – was previously wrongfully deported to El Salvador in March 2025 despite a prior judicial order forbidding his removal to that country. His case has drawn national attention as a stark example of unchecked immigration enforcement and the human cost of policies that prioritize punitive tactics over due process and family unity.
“Today’s ruling is an important affirmation that no person – regardless of immigration status – should be detained without a lawful basis or separated from their family without legitimate cause,” said CAIR’s Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry. “We welcome the judge’s decision, and call on policymakers at all levels of the government to ensure that our immigration system respects basic human dignity, adheres to the rule of law, and keeps families together.”
CAIR Maryland welcomed previous federal court rulings in Abrego’s favor, and has consistently advocated for immigration policies that are humane, fair, and rooted in respect for fundamental rights and civil liberties. This includes ensuring transparency and accountability in enforcement actions and opposing practices that lead to family separation, unlawful detention, and retaliation against individuals exercising legal rights.
SEE: CAIR Welcomes Federal Judge’s Reaffirmation of Due Process in Kilmar Abrego Garcia Case
Judge Xinis’s ruling highlights critical concerns about due process and government overreach. It reinforces that judicial oversight must remain a safeguard against arbitrary detention and that the judiciary plays a crucial role in upholding constitutional protections when executive action exceeds legal authority.
Mr. Abrego Garcia’s case is one of many across the country where immigrant community members – workers, parents, and neighbors – have been caught up in expansive enforcement actions that lack transparency and undermine community safety. CAIR Maryland continues to stand with immigrant families and advocates for comprehensive reforms that ensure fairness and accountability in immigration policy.
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: CAIR Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry, [email protected], 410-971-6062; CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, [email protected]; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, [email protected]; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, [email protected]