The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has notified Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a high-profile illegal immigrant facing human smuggling charges, that he will be deported to Eswatini, a small southern African nation. This follows his legal team’s claims that he fears persecution in over 20 countries, including El Salvador and Uganda.

Abrego Garcia, originally from El Salvador, was previously deported in March but re-entered the U.S. illegally in June. He is currently on trial for transporting undocumented individuals during a 2022 traffic stop in Tennessee. DHS initially designated Uganda as his removal destination, but a judge temporarily blocked the deportation after his lawyers cited fears of persecution.

In a removal notice obtained by Fox News, ICE officials noted the unusually broad nature of Abrego Garcia’s persecution claims, questioning their credibility. “Homie is afraid of the entire western hemisphere,” DHS posted on its official X (Twitter) account, alongside a copy of the letter.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem labeled Abrego Garcia a member of MS-13, calling him a “human trafficker, serial domestic abuser, and child predator.” However, his lawyer, Chris Newman, denied all accusations and accused the Trump administration of weaponizing the justice system to force a guilty plea in exchange for safer deportation terms.

According to court documents, the Justice Department allegedly offered a plea deal that included deportation to Costa Rica, where Abrego would face no prison time and receive residency or refugee status. After he rejected the plea, ICE informed his legal team that deportation would proceed to Uganda—unless he changed his mind.

His attorney, Sean Hecker, claimed this amounted to coercion, accusing federal agencies of using their power to pressure Abrego into giving up his constitutional rights. He is currently detained in Virginia, with ongoing legal proceedings ahead.