Liberia Accepts U.S. Request to Receive Deportee Kilmar Abrego Garcia - FrontPageAfrica

Monrovia – In a rare diplomatic move, the Government of Liberia has agreed to a request from the United States to temporarily receive Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran national whose deportation has sparked legal and human rights controversy in the U.S.

The decision comes after the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) informed a federal court that it had identified Liberia as the country willing to accept Abrego Garcia, who was previously deported to El Salvador despite a court order prohibiting such removal.

In a court notice filed Friday, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said DHS had received “diplomatic assurances regarding the treatment of third-country individuals removed to Liberia from the United States” and was “making the final necessary arrangements” for Abrego Garcia’s transfer. The agency added that it expects “to be able to effectuate removal as soon as October 31.”

Abrego Garcia, who had been living in Maryland with his wife and children, was deported in March to El Salvador’s CECOT mega-prison, despite a 2019 court ruling shielding him from deportation to that country due to fears of persecution. The Trump administration accused him of being a member of the MS-13 gang — a claim his family and attorneys have denied.

He was later brought back to the U.S. in June to face human smuggling charges in Tennessee, to which he pleaded not guilty. After being released to his brother’s custody in Maryland pending trial, he was again detained by immigration authorities and is currently being held in Pennsylvania. U.S. officials have since indicated plans to deport him to a country other than El Salvador.

U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis, who is presiding over the case in Maryland, has since temporarily barred the government from removing him from the United States.

Liberia Confirms Acceptance on Humanitarian Grounds

In a statement issued Friday, the Government of Liberia acknowledged receiving a formal request from the United States and confirmed its decision to accept Abrego Garcia “strictly on humanitarian and temporary grounds.”

“This decision was reached after extensive consultations with relevant national and international stakeholders, reflecting Liberia’s enduring commitment to upholding the principles of human dignity, international solidarity, and compassion in times of distress,” the statement said.

The government noted that its decision aligns with Liberia’s historic tradition of offering refuge to individuals in need — including African freedom fighters and democracy advocates who once found safety on Liberian soil.

“Liberia’s decision reaffirms its role as a responsible member of the international community and a country that remains committed to humanitarian cooperation anchored in law, due process, and mutual respect among nations,” the statement added.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it will continue to engage with the U.S. Department of State to ensure that all assurances and arrangements between the two governments are implemented. The process will be coordinated with relevant Liberian security, immigration, and justice authorities, as well as international partners, to ensure “the highest standards of safety, transparency, and humane treatment.”

Safeguards and Conditions Outlined

The Liberian government outlined several safeguards for the implementation of the decision:
1. Comprehensive security screening and vetting by relevant Liberian authorities prior to and upon arrival.
2. Respect for due process and human rights, including access to legal and procedural protections consistent with international obligations.
3. Non-refoulement assurance, guaranteeing that Mr. Abrego Garcia will not be returned to any country where he faces a substantial risk of persecution, torture, or other harm.
4. Coordination with the United Nations and other partners to explore durable and lawful solutions under international law, including potential resettlement or lawful transfer where appropriate.

The government stressed that the decision was made “voluntarily, in good faith, and solely on humanitarian grounds,” underscoring the historic friendship between Liberia and the United States — “built upon shared values of humanity, freedom, and justice.”

This latest development comes as the United States continues discussions with several African nations to accept migrants and deportees as part of broader immigration and diplomatic cooperation.