In a shocking turn of events, just a day after his release, Kilmar Ábrego García has been informed by US authorities of their intention to deport him to Uganda. This development follows his refusal to accept a plea deal in a pending criminal case, according to his lawyers.

Mr. Ábrego García, an El Salvadoran national, turned down an offer to plead guilty to human smuggling charges in exchange for a safe deportation to Costa Rica. This offer was made following his expected release from a Tennessee jail.

His legal team has accused the US government of attempting to "coerce" him into a guilty plea by threatening to send him "halfway across the world" to Uganda, a country he has no known ties to.

The plea deal to Costa Rica was presented amidst growing concerns about his continued detention. That agreement included provisions for legal status as a refugee in Costa Rica after serving any resultant sentence.

Upon Mr. Ábrego García's release, he was alarmingly warned of the potential deportation to Uganda, triggering fears for his safety and autonomy.

"The DOJ, DHS, and ICE are using their powers to force Mr. Ábrego to choose between a guilty plea for relative safety, or the risk of deportation to Uganda, where his safety is unknown," stressed his lawyers.

His team indicated that he has a tight deadline until Monday morning to accept the plea deal or lose it permanently. Whether he might consider this offer remains uncertain.

Currently reunited with family in Maryland, Mr. Ábrego García is set to appear in a Baltimore immigration court. If the court sides with the government, he could face deportation in a matter of days.

The US has established bilateral deportation agreements with both Honduras and Uganda as part of its broader efforts to tackle illegal immigration, with Uganda emphasizing preference for deportees from African nations.

Mr. Ábrego García's situation has become emblematic of the Trump administration's hardline immigration stance. Initially deported to El Salvador in March due to a notable 'administrative error,' he was later brought back to the US to face serious charges in Tennessee.

After legal battles and a judge's ruling favoring his release, fears lingered over his potential rapid deportation should he leave the detention facility.

With escalating tensions and a rapidly approaching deadline, Kilmar Ábrego García's fate now hangs in the balance, as advocates urgently fight for his safety.