NEW: Kilmar Ábrego Garcia is back in federal court as the government pushes to deport him to Liberia, extending an immigration battle that has now stretched 18 months. Ábrego Garcia was flanked by people holding 'Free Kilmar' signs as he walked into court. Federal officials are asking a judge to lift an injunction blocking ICE from detaining and deporting the Salvadoran national to the West African country. Ábrego Garcia's attorneys are fighting to make that protection permanent. Now the fight centers on where he could be sent next. Ábrego Garcia wants Costa Rica, which has agreed to accept him, while the government continues pursuing Liberia. ▻