Top advisers to US President Donald Trump, alongside El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele, stated that they see no reason to bring Kilmar Abrego Garcia back to the US after he was wrongly deported. Bukele dismissed the idea, calling it “preposterous.” He explained, “How can I smuggle a terrorist into the United States? I don’t have the power to return him.”
Despite the U.S. Supreme Court ordering the administration to “facilitate” his return, Trump’s officials continue to insist that Abrego Garcia is a citizen of El Salvador, and that the U.S. has no control over his future.
U.S. Officials Emphasize El Salvador’s Authority
Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed that if El Salvador agrees to send Abrego Garcia back, the U.S. would provide a plane for his return. However, she emphasized that “it’s up to El Salvador if they want to return him. That’s not up to us.” Furthermore, she stressed that Abrego Garcia had been in the U.S. illegally.
Joseph Mazzara, acting general counsel for the Department of Homeland Security, clarified that the U.S. does not have the authority to take Abrego Garcia from El Salvador. According to Mazzara, the U.S. cannot intervene in the custody of a foreign nation.
Additionally, Mazzara argued that Abrego Garcia is no longer eligible for protection, given that MS-13 has been designated a foreign terrorist group. However, Abrego Garcia’s attorneys have countered, asserting that there is no evidence linking him to any gang.
Legal Pressure on the U.S. Government Grows
Abrego Garcia’s case has fueled growing legal pressure. Despite a court ruling that blocked his deportation due to the risk of gang violence, he was sent back to El Salvador, where he is currently being held in a high-security prison.
Judge Paula Xinis is now deciding whether to compel the government to explain its actions. This has added further complexity to the ongoing legal battle.
Moreover, this case highlights El Salvador’s crucial role in the U.S. deportation strategy.
El Salvador’s Critical Role in U.S. Deportation Efforts
El Salvador has taken in over 200 Venezuelan immigrants deported by the Trump administration. These individuals are accused of gang involvement and violent crimes. They have been placed in a maximum-security prison in San Salvador, part of Bukele’s broader anti-gang crackdown.
In recognition of Bukele’s efforts, Trump praised him, stating, “I want to just say hello to the people of El Salvador and say they have one hell of a president.”
As part of the deal, the U.S. has agreed to pay El Salvador $6 million to imprison the Venezuelans for one year.
Democrats Raise Concerns Over Human Rights Violations
Meanwhile, Democrats are pushing back against the deportations. Senator Chris Van Hollen from Maryland called for a meeting with Bukele about Abrego Garcia. Additionally, Senator Jeanne Shaheen urged the administration to release Abrego Garcia and others who have no credible criminal record.
Shaheen argued, “Disregarding the rule of law… makes us less safe as a country.”
Trump Considers Expanding Deportation Efforts
In addition to ongoing deportations, Trump is considering expanding his efforts. He suggested that El Salvador could also imprison U.S. citizens convicted of violent crimes. “We have bad ones too, and I’m all for it,” he remarked.
Before the press entered the Oval Office, Trump recorded a video with Bukele. In the video, he joked about sending “homegrowns” to El Salvador for incarceration, even adding, “You’ve got to build five more places.”
Supreme Court Weighs in on Abrego Garcia’s Case
The U.S. Supreme Court has ordered the administration to “facilitate” Abrego Garcia’s return. Trump indicated that he would comply if the court directs it, stating, “I have great respect for the Supreme Court.”
However, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller dismissed criticism from the media, saying, “He’s a citizen of El Salvador.” Bondi also pointed out that immigration judges had found evidence linking Abrego Garcia to MS-13, even though this was based on a confidential informant’s testimony.
Bukele’s Popularity at Home
At home, Bukele’s tough stance on gangs has earned him widespread support. His government has maintained a state of emergency for the past three years, suspending some civil rights. As part of his anti-gang efforts, he built a massive prison in Tecoluca for those accused of gang affiliation.
Additionally, Bukele agreed to accept Salvadoran gang leaders back from the U.S. In February, his ambassador to the U.S., Milena Mayorga, emphasized that bringing gang leaders to justice in El Salvador was “an issue of honor.”
Though Bukele and Trump have different styles, they both challenge the press, political opposition, and the legal systems in their respective countries. Bukele’s approach helped reduce migration to the U.S. during Trump’s presidency, though his relationship with the U.S. has become more complicated under the Biden administration.
