DHS/ICE Push Third‑Country Deportation To Liberia; Federal Judge Halts Removal

DOJ told a federal court that DHS has diplomatic assurances to remove Kilmar Abrego Garcia to Liberia and could act by Oct. 31, but Judge Paula Xinis has barred any removal while he awaits trial. The case highlights DHS/ICE’s shifting third‑country plans (previously Ghana, Eswatini, Uganda) and reliance on diplomatic assurances. Abrego Garcia’s lawyers say Costa Rica agreed to accept him as a refugee and argue Liberia has no ties to him, separating him from family in Maryland. The development strengthens a broader pattern of third‑country removals to African nations drawing judicial scrutiny and rights concerns.