Judge Drops Indictment Against Mistakenly Deported Man Kilmar Abrego Garcia

BreakingBusinessJudge Drops Indictment Against Mistakenly Deported Man Kilmar Abrego GarciaByAntonio Pequeño IV,Forbes Staff. Pequeño is a breaking news reporter who covers tech and more.Follow AuthorMay 22, 2026, 05:29pm EDTToplineHuman smuggling charges against Kilmar Abrego Garcia—the man erroneously deported to El Salvador last year, and who White House critics have held up as a symbol of the injustice of President Donald Trump’s mass deportation efforts—were dismissed Friday by a federal judge’s blistering decision.Garcia pleaded not guilty to the charges against him. Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty ImagesKey FactsA federal judge dismissed the criminal case against Garcia, which was brought after the Maryland resident challenged his deportation.U.S. District Judge Waverly Crenshaw said the evidence presented to him in court “sadly reflects an abuse of prosecuting power.”The judge pointed out former U.S. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, saying “unrebutted” public comments he made “tying the reopened investigation to Abrego's successful lawsuit taints the investigation with a vindictive motive.”This is a developing story. Check back for updates.Got a tip? Share confidential information with Forbes.Editorial StandardsReprints & PermissionsLOADING VIDEO PLAYER...FORBES’ FEATURED Video