El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele has firmly rejected calls to return Kilmar Abrego García, a Maryland resident who was mistakenly deported by U.S. authorities in March 2025, despite a Supreme Court order that should have prevented his removal. Bukele claimed he has “no power” to facilitate Abrego García’s return and labeled him a “terrorist.”
Abrego García, who had lived in the U.S. since childhood, was deported on March 15, 2025, despite a 2019 court ruling that specifically blocked such action. He was flown to El Salvador and immediately placed in a high-security prison known for housing gang members. U.S. authorities allege Abrego García is associated with MS-13—a group now designated as a terrorist organization—but his family strongly denies those claims.
The U.S. Supreme Court recently ruled that the government must take steps to bring Abrego García back to the country. However, Trump administration officials argue that while they’ve removed domestic barriers, the actual return depends on the Salvadoran government’s cooperation.
President Bukele dismissed the U.S. legal decision, stating, “How can I smuggle a terrorist into the United States? I’m not going to do it.” His remarks have drawn sharp criticism from American lawmakers and human rights advocates, who warn that the administration is ignoring judicial orders and due process.
Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) has demanded answers, calling for Abrego García’s immediate release and transparency on any communications between Washington and San Salvador.
The standoff raises serious legal and diplomatic concerns, highlighting the complexities of immigration enforcement, international law, and the balance of power between courts and executive authority.
