El Salvador’s Leader Denies Return of Wrongly Deported Man
El Salvador Refuses Return of Deported Man Held in Mega-Prison
El Salvador has refused to bring back Kilmar Ábrego García, a man the U.S. deported who is now being held in a high-security prison. President Nayib Bukele made the announcement during a meeting at the White House with Donald Trump.
Last week, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the Trump administration must help return Ábrego García to the U.S. He had lived in Maryland and was granted protection from deportation in 2019. However, U.S. officials claim they cannot return him and say the decision is up to El Salvador.
Trump praised Bukele for allowing deportations of suspected gang members to El Salvador. Ábrego García, who denies gang ties, was deported with 260 others to the controversial Cecot prison.
During the visit, Trump also expressed a desire to send violent U.S. criminals to El Salvador, if legally allowed.
Ten more alleged gang members were deported over the weekend, despite legal challenges. The U.S. views them as part of MS-13 or Tren de Aragua—both labeled as terrorist groups under Trump’s orders.
Government lawyers argue that the case involves foreign policy and is outside court control. Trump said he would comply with the Supreme Court if ordered.
Jennifer Vasquez Sura, Ábrego García’s wife and a U.S. citizen, said both governments are using his case for political gain. She remains hopeful for his return.
The U.S. admitted Ábrego García’s removal was a mistake but also alleges he is part of MS-13—claims his lawyer rejects. Courts have asked for daily updates on efforts to bring him back.
The partnership between Trump and Bukele has strengthened since Trump returned to office. The deal has helped Trump show progress on mass deportations. U.S. Senator Marco Rubio called it a model for security in the region.
Bukele has gained praise from Trump, who described him as doing a “great job” fighting crime. Over 200 people have been sent to El Salvador under a law from 1798.
In 2024, BBC reporters visited Cecot, El Salvador’s massive prison. Built in under a year, it holds up to 40,000 inmates and has been criticized for human rights violations. Cells lack ventilation, privacy, and beds—some hold over 150 people with limited water and exercise time.
Some families say their relatives are wrongly accused of gang membership. One Venezuelan woman said her son was likely sent there because of his tattoos.
The U.S. pays El Salvador $20,000 annually per deportee. These funds and prison labor are supposed to make the prison system self-sufficient. Critics warn that close U.S.-El Salvador ties may reduce pressure on Bukele’s increasingly authoritarian rule, which includes over 80,000 arrests under a prolonged state of emergency.
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