U.S. tries to deport Salvadoran migrant to Uganda; Kampala refuses — judge halts removal for now
Kampala / Washington, D.C. — The United States’ attempt to deport Kilmar Abrego García, a Salvadoran national, to Uganda has met resistance from both the courts and Kampala. As ICE continues to explore “third country” deportations, Uganda — along with Eswatini and Ghana — has declined to accept him. A U.S. federal judge has temporarily blocked his removal, citing due process concerns.
Case Background
In March 2025, Abrego was mistakenly deported from the U.S. to El Salvador despite a 2019 court order barring his removal due to risks he would face if returned.
After successfully challenging the deportation, U.S. authorities re-arrested him and charged him with alleged human smuggling between 2016 and 2025 — allegations he denies.
The administration sought to deport him to Uganda — a country with which he reportedly has no prior ties.
Uganda & Other Countries Refuse
Uganda, Ghana, and Eswatini have rejected U.S. requests to accept Abrego.
ICE later proposed sending him to Eswatini instead, claiming he expressed fears about Uganda. But Eswatini said it had no official notice from the U.S. government.
Uganda’s refusal (or silence) has been controversial; some commentators and former officials have criticized Kampala’s stance.
Judicial Intervention & Legal Debate
U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis has issued a temporary stay blocking Abrego’s deportation, especially to Uganda, until due process concerns are resolved.
The judge has questioned whether deportation to a third country with no prior connection violates his rights and whether the government has properly considered alternatives (e.g. Costa Rica).
The legal wrangling continues. Abrego’s defense claims the U.S. government is retaliating by using deportation as leverage.
Broader Implications
The case raises thorny questions about the legality of third‑country deportations when an individual has no ties to the receiving country.
It may also test whether ICE can use deportation threats as a tool in criminal or immigration bargaining.
Diplomatically, Uganda risks reputational impact either way: participating in U.S. deportations could raise criticism about human rights, while refusing could anger a powerful ally.
On August 21, 2025, Uganda reportedly struck a separate agreement with the U.S. to receive certain deportees from third countries (excluding those with criminal records). Some analysts believe this background may factor in negotiations around Abrego’s case.
Timeline: from Abrego’s original deportation → legal challenges → attempted re-deportation
Profile: who is Abrego, where has he lived, what are the legal arguments
International law note: summary of rights under U.S. law and customary human rights norms
