El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele has firmly rejected calls to return Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland resident who was mistakenly deported to El Salvador and imprisoned in the country’s notorious CECOT mega-prison. Despite a U.S. Supreme Court ruling mandating his return, Bukele dismissed the request, stating, “Are you suggesting I smuggle a terrorist into the United States? Of course, I’m not going to do it.” The Guardian+9The Guardian+9People.com+9AP News+2Wikipedia+2The Guardian+2
Abrego Garcia, who had been living legally in the U.S. with a work permit, was erroneously deported under the Trump administration’s intensified immigration policies. He is now held in CECOT, a maximum-security facility criticized for its harsh conditions and alleged human rights violations. ABCPeople.com
The Trump administration has deflected responsibility, with officials asserting that the U.S. has no authority to compel El Salvador to release Abrego Garcia. Attorney General Pam Bondi stated that the decision rests solely with El Salvador, while Homeland Security Advisor Stephen Miller indicated that if returned, Abrego Garcia would be deported again. news+6Wikipedia+6https://www.wbtv.com+6
This situation underscores the complexities of international law and the challenges faced when diplomatic relations intersect with domestic legal obligations. As Abrego Garcia remains incarcerated, his family and legal advocates continue to seek avenues for his return, highlighting concerns over due process and human rights.
