JUDGE LEANS TOWARD LIMITING DEPORTATION FOR ABREGO-GARCIA

A federal judge in Maryland is expressing concern about Kilmar Abrego Garcia being immediately deported if he’s released on bond in Tennessee.  Abrego Garcia faces charges there of human smuggling.  On Friday, Judge Paula Xinis, an Obama appointee, scolded the Justice Department for not being prepared to answer questions about deportation if Abrego Garcia is released, pending trial.  If Abrego Garcia is released, court observers say Xinis seemed open to grant him 72 hours notice from the feds before deportation, and return him to Maryland where he has a residence and family.  A hearing in Tennessee with a separate judge is set for Wednesday and Xinis said she will make a ruling on the matter before that takes place.