Abrego Garcia pushes to drop charges, alleging vindictive prosecution by Trump-era DOJ

Kilmar Abrego Garcia urged a Tennessee federal judge to dismiss his human-smuggling charges, arguing the case is vindictive punishment by Trump-era officials after his deportation mishap. He was deported to El Salvador, then brought back to the U.S. to face charges tied to a 2022 traffic stop; his lawyers contend DOJ officials influenced the decision to prosecute, while prosecutors say the decision was made by a single U.S. attorney. The judge has previously signaled concern about possible vindictiveness, and the case continues as Garcia remains free pending proceedings.