Overview

• Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland resident and father of three, was mistakenly deported to El Salvador in March due to an acknowledged administrative error.
• The U.S. Supreme Court and lower courts have ruled that the Trump administration must facilitate Garcia's return, but officials argue the courts cannot dictate foreign policy actions.
• El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele has refused to release Garcia, labeling him a terrorist despite no credible evidence or criminal record in the U.S. or El Salvador.
• Democratic lawmakers, led by Sen. Chris Van Hollen, plan to engage directly with El Salvador and potentially travel there to advocate for Garcia's release.
• The case highlights broader issues of judicial authority, executive defiance, and human rights concerns linked to U.S. deportation policies and minimal evidence standards.