A Maryland man wrongly deported to El Salvador now sits inside one of the country’s most feared gang prisons. But neither President Donald Trump’s team nor El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele is stepping in to help.
Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was mistakenly removed from the U.S., remains locked up. Despite outrage and a push from the Supreme Court, both leaders say there’s little they can or will do.
No Plans to Return Deported Citizen
Trump’s top immigration advisers said Abrego Garcia is El Salvador’s problem.
Although he lived in the U.S., they claim he’s legally a Salvadoran national. Therefore, they argue, the United States has no legal grounds to force a return.
Bukele also dodged responsibility. Speaking Monday, he said, “I don’t have the power to return him to the United States.”
Supreme Court Wants Action
Despite their refusal, the U.S. Supreme Court has ordered the Trump administration to “facilitate” the return of Abrego Garcia.
So far, the court’s statement hasn’t changed the political stance on either side. The man remains trapped behind bars.
Trump and Bukele Talk Tough in Oval Office
Bukele met with Trump in the Oval Office this week. During their private chat, the two leaders discussed immigration, prisons, and social issues.
In a video later shared by Bukele, Trump praised the Salvadoran president’s crackdown on migrants. “You’ve got to build five more places,” Trump said, referring to prisons. “That’s what people want to see. Respect.”
He then praised a video Bukele’s team created showing deported migrants arriving in El Salvador. “Can I use them?” Trump asked, applauding the cinematic quality.
Controversial Comments on Transgender Rights
The discussion turned bizarre when Trump shifted the conversation to transgender athletes.
“Do you allow men to play in women’s sports?” Trump asked. Bukele replied, “That’s violence.”
Trump said many Americans “fight to the death” over the issue but admitted he doesn’t like to talk about it often. “I want to save it for just before the next election,” he added.
El Salvador prison: Bragging About Border Tactics
Trump was proud of his immigration strategy and made that clear.
“You are helping us out,” he told Bukele. He claimed the tough approach at the U.S.-Mexico border had brought back law and order. “We’re proud of them,” he said about his policies. “Now we just need to get the criminals and murderers and rapists out of our country.”
America’s Deportation Partner
Bukele has become one of the Trump administration’s closest allies in Latin America.
By accepting deported migrants and holding them in high-security prisons, he’s helped fulfill Trump’s goal of reducing illegal immigration.
But in the case of Abrego Garcia, the alliance is now under scrutiny.
Inside El Salvador’s Infamous Jails
El Salvador’s prison system has gained global attention. Harsh tactics and brutal conditions are common.
The country’s mega-prison, used for gang members and now housing deportees, is known for overcrowding and extreme security measures.
Sending U.S. residents there has alarmed human rights groups.
One Man’s Nightmare Becomes Political Football
Abrego Garcia’s situation shows the dark side of aggressive deportation efforts.
While leaders debate policy, a man sits wrongly imprisoned in a foreign country.
So far, neither side has shown urgency to correct the mistake.
Legal Fight May Not Be Over
The Supreme Court’s call for action signals that legal battles may continue.
If the U.S. fails to comply, more scrutiny could fall on how the administration handles wrongful deportations and international prison transfers.
Prison Politics and 2024 Election Hints
Trump’s statements hint at plans for future campaign messaging. His comments on transgender athletes and deportation efforts suggest he’ll use these topics again on the campaign trail.
Bukele’s role as a political partner may also resurface as Trump gears up for another run.
Final Thoughts
As the U.S. courts push for justice, a man wrongly removed from his home remains in a dangerous El Salvador prison.
The focus now shifts to whether either leader will act—or continue passing blame.
