Overview

• A Maryland judge has ordered the U.S. government to return Kilmar Abrego Garcia, mistakenly deported to El Salvador, by April 7, 2025.
• The Trump administration admitted to an 'administrative error' in Garcia's deportation but continues to allege gang affiliation without providing substantial evidence.
• Garcia, who was granted deportation protection in 2019 due to risks of persecution in El Salvador, remains in custody at the CECOT prison.
• The U.S. has appealed the judge's ruling, citing logistical challenges with repatriation but acknowledging it is technically feasible.
• The case has intensified scrutiny of U.S. deportation policies and the controversial financial agreement with El Salvador, which houses deportees in exchange for $20,000 annually per inmate.