After four hours of testimony, a federal judge ordered the parties to return Friday morning to weigh a potential emergency order setting a 48-hour pause on any removal efforts.

Judge Paula Xinis questioned the Justice Department over the timing of a criminal investigation of Salvadorian migrant Abrego Garcia, who was returned after his erroneous deportation.

An official with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement testified Thursday about the process the government might undertake to deport Kilmar Abrego Garcia should he be released from custody in Tennessee -- but the official said that he himself had no involvement with Abrego Garcia's case prior to being asked to testify,