Overview

• Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a legal U.S. resident, remains detained in El Salvador's CECOT prison after being mistakenly deported in March, despite a 2019 court order barring his removal.
• The U.S. Supreme Court unanimously directed the Trump administration to facilitate his return, but the White House insists he will not live in the U.S. again, citing disputed allegations of gang affiliation and domestic violence.
• Sen. Chris Van Hollen traveled to El Salvador on April 16 to advocate for Abrego Garcia's release but was denied access by Salvadoran officials, who claim the U.S. is paying to keep him detained.
• El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele, during an April 14 meeting with President Trump, refused to repatriate Abrego Garcia, citing sovereignty concerns.
• Federal Judge Paula Xinis has ordered a new inquiry into the administration's compliance with court directives, escalating tensions over executive authority and due process.