The case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a man mistakenly deported from Maryland to El Salvador, highlights ongoing immigration issues between the US and El Salvador. Despite being confirmed safe in a Salvadoran facility, Garcia's legal struggles continue as US courts push for his return following a Supreme Court decision.
Mistakenly Deported Man in El Salvador Confirmed Safe Amid Legal Battle
Mistakenly Deported Man in El Salvador Confirmed Safe Amid Legal Battle
A US official has confirmed that Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was wrongly deported to El Salvador, is safe in custody as legal efforts continue to secure his return to the United States.
Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a man accidentally deported from Maryland to El Salvador, has been confirmed as "alive and secure" by a U.S. official, amidst an unfolding legal battle surrounding his return to the United States. This update follows a Supreme Court ruling compelling the Trump administration to facilitate Garcia's repatriation.
According to State Department official Michael Kozak, Garcia is being held in El Salvador's Terrorism Confinement Center (Cecot). "He is alive and secure in that facility," Kozak stated, following concerns raised about the conditions he might face after his deportation. Garcia’s repatriation was mistakenly overlooked by U.S. immigration authorities, who admit that it stemmed from an "administrative error." The Trump administration, however, insists on his alleged connections to the MS-13 gang, a claim refuted by Garcia's legal representatives.
In a recent court ruling, the Supreme Court, which holds a conservative majority, unanimously backed the lower court’s directive for the U.S. government to assist in Garcia’s return. Maryland District Judge Paula Xinis has ordered the administration to provide daily updates on efforts being made to expedite his re-entry to the U.S.
Garcia, now 29, entered the U.S. illegally as a teenager and was granted protection against deportation in 2019 due to potential dangers he could face from local gangs if returned to El Salvador. The court documents from his legal team accuse the U.S. government of attempting to "delay, obfuscate and flout court orders" while his safety remains uncertain.
In a statement this week, former President Trump affirmed his respect for the Supreme Court's ruling and expressed willingness to comply by stating, "If the Supreme Court said 'bring somebody back, I would do that.'" Meanwhile, Trump is scheduled to meet with El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele at the White House, discussing ongoing efforts to manage the immigration of those considered dangerous to U.S. citizens. "Their future is up to President B and his Government," Trump remarked about the deportees, labeling them as "barbarians" and reiterating that they will not threaten U.S. citizens again.
