The filing took aim at comments last week in which the homeland security secretary “assailed Mr. Abrego’s character and reputation," his attorney said.

U.S. officials have said they’ll try to deport Abrego Garcia to a country that isn’t El Salvador, such as Mexico or South Sudan, before his trial starts in January.

A lengthy court battle has resulted in a legal victory for Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who will be released from federal custody while awaiting trial on human smuggling charges.