DOJ to appeal judge's order dismissing Kilmar Abrego Garcia's human smuggling case

Kilmar Abrego Garcia speaks during a rally and prayer vigil for him before he enters a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) field office on August 25, 2025, in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

(WASHINGTON) -- The Department of Justice is appealing a federal judge's ruling that dismissed the criminal human smuggling case against Kilmar Abrego Garcia.

Robert McGuire, the federal prosecutor in Tennessee, filed a notice on Monday to U.S. District Judge Waverly Crenshaw that the government is appealing the decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

Monday, June 22, 2026 at 5:45PM by Laura Romero, ABC News Permalink