Judge tosses federal charges against Kilmar Abrego Garcia

Updated on: May 22, 2026 / 6:26 PM EDT / CBS News

Judge tosses federal charges against Kilmar Abrego Garcia

TL;DR

  • Federal Judge Waverly Crenshaw dismissed human smuggling charges against Kilmar Abrego Garcia.
  • The judge ruled the prosecution was vindictive, citing an abuse of prosecuting power.
  • Abrego Garcia was mistakenly deported by the Trump administration and later returned to face charges.
  • The prosecution was pursued after Abrego Garcia successfully sued to return to the U.S.
  • Internal emails suggested high-level interest in charging Abrego Garcia after his deportation challenge.
  • The Justice Department plans to appeal the judge's decision, calling it wrong and dangerous.