The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has informed Kilmar Abrego Garcia — a high-profile undocumented immigrant facing human smuggling charges — that he will be deported to Eswatini, a small nation in southern Africa. The decision follows claims by Abrego Garcia’s attorneys that he feared persecution in more than 20 countries.
According to a removal notice obtained by Fox News through Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) sources, Abrego Garcia was originally designated for deportation to Uganda. However, his attorneys notified authorities that he feared torture or persecution there.
The DHS notice reads:
“Dear Mr. Abrego Garcia, 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.”
Officials expressed skepticism over the extent of his claims, noting that Abrego Garcia reportedly cited fear of persecution in at least 22 countries — including El Salvador, Uganda, and 20 Latin American nations.
“Nonetheless, we hereby notify you that your new country of removal is Eswatini, Africa,” the letter states.
The DHS shared a copy of the notice on its official X (formerly Twitter) account with a caption that read: “Homie is afraid of the entire western hemisphere.”
Abrego Garcia, a native of El Salvador, was deported in March but re-entered the U.S. in June. He is currently standing trial for human smuggling in connection with a 2022 traffic stop in Tennessee, during which he was allegedly found transporting multiple undocumented immigrants across state lines.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has accused Abrego Garcia of being affiliated with the MS-13 gang and labeled him a “human trafficker, serial domestic abuser, and child predator.”
He is currently detained at an immigration facility in Virginia after U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis — appointed during the Obama administration — temporarily blocked his removal to Uganda.
