During a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing in early June 2026, Troy D. Pope, deputy to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, said the agency would gladly send Kilmar Abrego Garcia to Costa Rica if the immigrant consents. The remark follows Judge Waverly Crenshaw’s recent dismissal of federal smuggling charges and revives a contentious debate over where the government can legally deport Garcia.

Senator Chris Van Hollen’s Probe of Costa Rica Option

Senator Chris Van Hollen asked Pope whether the United States could allow Garcia to self‑deport to Costa Rica, noting that the Central American nation had reportedly agreed to accpet him. pope replied, “Great, if he’s willing to do that, we’ll be pleased to send him,” a statement that Garcia’s lawyers quickly filed with the court as fresh evidence supporting their habeas corpus requesst.

Judge Crenshaw’s Earlier Ruling on Liberia and Human Smuggling

U.S. District Judge Waverly Crenshaw last month pressed DHS lawyers about rumors of a possible removal to Liberia, the country Garcia fled, and questioned why the agency would not permit self‑deportation to Costa Rica. Earlier that week, Crenshaw dismissed federal human‑smuggling charges tied to a 2022 traffic stop, finding the prosecution likely retaliatory after Garcia challenged his removal.

Legal Experts Weigh Pope’s Comment on Court Strategy

Immigration scholars say Pope’s off‑the‑record remark does not bind DHS, but it could shape the court’s calculus by showing executive willingness to honor a Costa Rica agreement. One analyst noted the comment “might just wind up that Abrego Garcia gets deported to Costa Rica,” even as the Justice Department prepares to appeal the smuggling dismissal.

Unresolved Questions About Final Deportation Destination

Key uncertainties remain: whether Costa Rica will formally finalize its acceptance,how the appeal of the smuggling case will affect Garcia’s custody status, and whether the government will revive the Liberia option depsite the judge’s skepticism.