Judge Orders Return of Wrongfully Deported Man Held in El Salvador

The Trump administration appeals the ruling, maintaining unproven gang allegations against Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who remains detained in El Salvador's mega-prison.

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.