Maryland Man Wrongfully Deported to El Salvador Returns to Face Charges
Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland resident, was returned to the United States to face federal criminal charges after being mistakenly deported to a prison in his native El Salvador months earlier.
Federal Charges and Indictment Details
Abrego Garcia has been federally indicted in Tennessee on allegations related to transporting undocumented migrants within the United States. The indictment, issued on May 21 but sealed until recently, accuses Abrego Garcia and co-conspirators of operating from 2016 to 2025 by transporting undocumented aliens from countries including Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Ecuador. These migrants reportedly traveled through Mexico before crossing into Texas.
The grand jury found that Abrego Garcia made over 100 trips, smuggling thousands of migrants during this period.
Legal and Judicial Background
Despite a 2019 court order forbidding Abrego Garcia’s removal to El Salvador due to fears of persecution, he was deported on March 15, 2025. The administration later acknowledged this as a mistake but initially claimed it was unable to facilitate his return. A Maryland U.S. District Court judge ordered federal officials to bring him back, a decision upheld by the Supreme Court in April.
Concerns Over Due Process
Abrego Garcia’s attorney criticized the government’s handling of the case, describing the deportation as a violation of court orders and a denial of due process. He emphasized that his client should be tried before the same immigration judge who heard his 2019 case, ensuring a fair and ordinary judicial process.
Gang Affiliation Allegations and Denials
The previous administration labeled Abrego Garcia as a member of the MS-13 gang, a group categorized as a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. government. Abrego Garcia denies any affiliation with MS-13. He is a married father of three and was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Maryland on March 12, 2025, prior to his deportation.
Ongoing Developments
The case has drawn attention due to its legal complexities and alleged government missteps. Authorities plan to prosecute Abrego Garcia on federal charges related to migrant smuggling after his return, but the legal proceedings will continue to evolve following the Supreme Court’s decisions and the federal indictment.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned for further updates.
