A federal judge in Tennessee dismissed human trafficking charges this Friday against Kilmar Abrego García, the Salvadoran immigrant wrongly deported by President Donald Trump's administration, in a decision that represents a serious blow to immigration policy.

CBS News detailed that federal judge Waverly Crenshaw concluded that the accusation presented by the Department of Justice was “vindictive” in nature.

Abrego García was facing two charges related to human trafficking after a traffic stop that occurred in Tennessee in November 2022. During the inspection, state authorities found several people inside the vehicle he was driving. The Salvadoran pleaded innocent from the beginning of the process.

The case that put pressure on immigration policy

The case of Kilmar Abrego García became one of the most controversial episodes within Trump's immigration offensive, because the immigrant had received prior legal protection against deportation to El Salvador.

Despite this, in March 2025 he was expelled from the United States and sent to Salvadoran territory, where he was initially detained in a maximum security prison. Later, an official from the administration itself acknowledged that the deportation had been carried out in error.

After his transfer, Abrego García filed a civil lawsuit in Maryland to challenge the deportation. In April 2025, a federal judge ordered the US government to facilitate his return to the country to continue the corresponding judicial process.

However, the Department of Homeland Security delayed his return for months, increasing political and legal pressure on the Trump administration.

“Vengeful” accusation, according to the judge

Judge Waverly Crenshaw's ruling now represents a significant victory for the Salvadoran defense. According to court documents cited by the aforementioned media, the judge accepted the argument that the criminal accusation had been filed in retaliation after the immigration litigation opened by Abrego García.

Although the ruling eliminates federal charges in Tennessee, the Salvadoran's immigration case still has legal and political implications. During the last few months, Abrego García faced parallel processes between federal authorities in Tennessee and immigration officials in Maryland.

The Trump administration has so far not issued a comprehensive response following the court decision.