The Department of Homeland Security has notified Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the high-profile illegal immigrant facing human smuggling charges, that he will be deported to the small southern African nation after his attorneys claimed he feared persecution in more than 20 other countries.
According to a removal notice obtained by Fox News from Immigration and Customs Enforcement sources, Abrego Garcia was informed that his new country of removal is Eswatini.
“Dear Mr. Abrego Garcia,” the notice reads, “As you know, the United States seeks to remove you from the United States based on your final order of removal. Currently, you are designated to be removed to Uganda. Your attorney has informed us, however, that you fear persecution or torture in Uganda.””
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has ordered the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a case that has sparked controversy due to the unusual decision to send him to a small African nation where he has no apparent personal or family ties.
According to DHS officials, the order was finalized this week after months of legal proceedings and administrative reviews. Garcia, who has lived in the United States for several years, was previously detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following an alleged violation of federal immigration law.
Legal Battle and Court Challenges
Garcia’s legal team had filed multiple appeals to block his deportation, arguing that his removal to a country with which he has no connection violates both domestic law and international human rights standards. A federal judge temporarily halted the deportation earlier this year, but DHS ultimately prevailed in its push to enforce the removal order.
“This is a deeply troubling outcome,” said one of Garcia’s attorneys, who described the decision as “unprecedented and dangerous.” The attorney added that Garcia faces significant risks in a country where he has no support network, no citizenship rights, and no means of survival.
