SUMMARY: Jill Garcia’s release remains uncertain following a federal detention hearing in Nashville. Judge Barbara Holmes set pretrial release conditions, including monitoring and staying with his brother, but clarified she lacks authority over ICE actions. Garcia was mistakenly deported to El Salvador and flown back to face federal charges related to alleged human smuggling after a 2022 traffic stop. The government’s evidence was criticized, and the judge ordered Garcia’s release pending trial—though ICE plans immediate detention due to his immigration status. The DOJ and defense dispute where Garcia would be housed if released. Garcia remains in U.S. Marshals custody awaiting further decisions.

The national debate on immigration has been focused on Garcia after he was mistakenly deported to El Salvador.

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SUMMARY: The ACLU of Tennessee has filed a lawsuit on behalf of seven Metro Council members against a new state law making it a felony for elected officials to vote in favor of sanctuary city policies. The complaint argues the law violates the First and Fourteenth Amendments and the Speech and Debate Clause, which protects legislators’ official actions. Legal experts and some lawmakers express concerns about free speech and democratic principles. Republicans defending the bill say it enforces existing bans on sanctuary policies. Key provisions of the law will take effect July 1, 2025, and January 1, 2026. The Attorney General’s office is reviewing the lawsuit.

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SUMMARY: Kilmer Garcia, 29, mistakenly deported from Maryland to El Salvador, was flown back to Nashville to face smuggling charges linked to a 2022 Putnam County traffic stop. A federal judge ruled the government cannot keep him in custody, denying the prosecution’s detention request due to insufficient evidence that Garcia poses a community danger or flight risk. Today, a Nashville hearing will determine the exact conditions of his release. Despite this, Garcia is expected to be handed over to ICE, increasing the chance of deportation. Heavy security and media presence mark the ongoing, high-profile federal courtroom proceedings.

Hearing to determine conditions of Garcia release

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