Man Wrongfully Deported Faces Another Possible Detainment
A man from Maryland, who had been mistakenly sent to a notorious prison in El Salvador and later brought back to the U.S., might find himself in the custody of immigration officials once again, his lawyer anticipates.
The man was released from criminal custody in Tennessee last week and is currently waiting for his federal trial. He has been asked to show up at an immigration detention center in Baltimore early next week.
Expected Detainment Despite Electronic Monitoring
His lawyer stressed there's no reason for immigration officials to detain him because he's effectively under the surveillance of the U.S. Marshals Service via a GPS ankle bracelet. However, the attorney also conceded that the man may end up in immigration custody, stating "that's what they do."
Deportation Destination: Uganda
After his release, the man's lawyers were told by immigration officials that they intend to deport him to Uganda. This surprising decision came after he had turned down a plea deal that would have seen him deported to Costa Rica. This plea deal required him to admit to smuggling charges and stay in jail.
His legal team disclosed this information in a court filing recently. The lawyers also expressed a belief that this move is a tactic to pressure their client into pleading guilty, using Uganda as "a form of punishment."
Concerns About a Possible Return to El Salvador
There are no guarantees about what would happen in Uganda, the attorney noted. He voiced concern over the man's potential living conditions there and the possibility that Uganda might deport him back to El Salvador.
The lawyer argued that if Uganda ends up sending him back to El Salvador, whether it's the next day or few months down the line, it would be just as illegal as sending him directly back to El Salvador for a second time.
The man, who was born in El Salvador, had been residing in Maryland. The immigration agency did not immediately respond to requests for comments.
A Brief Period of Joy Amid Uncertainty
Despite the looming threat of deportation, the man's lawyer revealed that he was thrilled to reunite with his family and friends, even if it may be short-lived.
He arrived in Maryland early Saturday morning and was warmly welcomed by his entire family, including his young child. He was overjoyed to be back with his loved ones, but the joy could be fleeting, the lawyer warned.