NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — Kilmar Abrego Garcia has been freed from Putnam County Jail and is on his way to reunite with his family in Maryland, his lawyer confirms to FOX 17 News.

This comes after a U.S. magistrate judge was expected to grant the release Friday as he awaits trial on federal human smuggling charges.

See the full statement from Abrego Garcia's lawyer Sean Hecker below:

Today, Kilmar Abrego Garcia is free. He is presently en route to his family in Maryland, after being unlawfully arrested and deported, and then imprisoned, all because of the government’s vindictive attack on a man who had the courage to fight back against the Administration’s continuing assault on the rule of law. He is grateful that his access to American courts has provided meaningful due process.

This is a breaking news story. Tune into FOX 17 News at 5:30 for the latest.