U.S. admits mistaken deportation of immigrant to El Salvador's mega-prison

​The U.S. government has acknowledged the erroneous deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland resident and Salvadoran national, to El Salvador on March 15, 2025. Despite a court ruling recognizing his credible fear of persecution, Abrego Garcia was mistakenly removed during an expedited deportation operation under President Trump's use of war powers. ​

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Wrongfully deported Maryland man fights to return as U.S. defends mistake

Abrego Garcia was alleged to be an MS-13 gang member based on informant information, a claim he was contesting. He had been living in Maryland with his U.S. citizen family. The deportation occurred amid the administration's broader strategy of deporting alleged gang members, including Venezuelans and Salvadorans, under the 1798 Alien Enemies Act. ​

The erroneous deportation has sparked significant legal and political debate. Abrego Garcia's legal team has requested the U.S. District Court to order his return and stop funding for his detention in El Salvador's maximum-security prison. Despite acknowledging the mistake, the Trump administration claims it cannot facilitate his return and has urged the court to reject efforts to bring him back. ​

U.S. immigration system under scrutiny after wrongful deportation case

This incident highlights the complexities and challenges within the U.S. immigration system, particularly concerning expedited deportations and the use of wartime powers. It raises questions about due process and the safeguards in place to prevent wrongful deportations, especially for individuals with credible fears of persecution.​

As the situation unfolds, it underscores the need for careful review and oversight of immigration enforcement actions. The case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia serves as a poignant example of the potential human cost of administrative errors in the deportation process.​