A federal judge on Thursday ordered the immediate release of Kilmar Abrego Garcia from federal custody.

U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis issued the order, granting Abrego Garcia's petition for relief.

"Since Abrego Garcia’s return from wrongful detention in El Salvador, he has been re-detained, again without lawful authority. For this reason, the Court will GRANT Abrego Garcia’s Petition for immediate release from ICE custody," Xinis wrote.

Abrego Garcia was first deported to El Salvador and sent to that country's notorious CECOT prison. His case attracted national attention and he eventually secured his return to the United States.

Federal law enforcement have floated deporting him to an alternate destination, though they have struggled to secure the judicial go-ahead.

Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent at Just the News. Follow him on X.