November 24, 2025


DOJ Claims No Go for Abrego in Costa Rica, But Costa Rica Says Otherwise

In a tangled web of legal and diplomatic drama, the U.S. Department of Justice insists that Costa Rica is unwilling to accept Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a decision contradicted by recent statements from Costa Rican officials. This discrepancy came to light during a strenuous legal battle involving Abrego’s rights to choose his country of deportation under U.S. law.

The saga of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a man caught in the crosshairs of U.S. immigration policy and international diplomacy, continues to unfold. Abrego, initially deported erroneously as part of a misguided push by the previous administration to offload immigrants, has become a symbol of the judicial tug-of-war over immigration practices.

Judge Paula Xinis, presiding over the recent hearings, expressed frustration with the U.S. government's shifting explanations and apparent misinformation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Drew Ensign argued that sending Abrego to Costa Rica was off the table due to new demands from the Costa Rican government — a claim sharply refuted in a court session where the testimony revealed a lack of direct knowledge about Costa Rica's stance.

The conflict peaked when Costa Rica’s Security Minister, Mario Zamora Cordero, publicly affirmed that their position on accepting Abrego had not changed and that they were still open to receiving him on humanitarian grounds. This statement was a direct contradiction to the U.S. DOJ’s claim, suggesting a possible misrepresentation to the court.

Amidst these revelations, the DOJ's strategy appears increasingly convoluted. They have proposed deporting Abrego to various African nations despite his willingness and legal clearance to reside in Costa Rica, a country that has agreed to accept him without the alleged additional conditions claimed by U.S. authorities.

The legal battle also highlighted procedural missteps, including the lack of a final removal order, which Judge Xinis pointed out during the proceedings. The absence of this document further complicates the DOJ's position and underscores the administrative chaos surrounding the case.

As the case drags on, it not only questions the legitimacy of the U.S. government's maneuvers but also the integrity of the information presented in court. The ongoing dispute over Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s fate is a stark reminder of the complexities and challenges at the intersection of law, immigration policy, and international relations. The world watches as the U.S. courts grapple with these issues, awaiting a resolution that aligns with legal standards and humanitarian considerations.