State Department reveals status of man erroneously deported to El Salvador

A day after a federal court requested an update on the situation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland man who was mistakenly deported to El Salvador, the State Department provided an update to the judge. According to Michael Kozak, a senior bureau official for the State Department, Abrego Garcia is currently being held in the Terrorism Confinement Center in El Salvador, where he is said to be “alive and secure.” Despite this assurance, Abrego Garcia has not yet returned to American soil, as ordered by the Supreme Court.

President Donald Trump took to Truth Social to praise El Salvador President Nayib Bukele for accepting some “violent alien enemies” into the country. However, Trump did not directly reference Abrego Garcia in his post. He is scheduled to meet with Bukele at the White House in the coming days.

In response to the Supreme Court’s order to facilitate Abrego Garcia’s return to the U.S., Trump expressed his willingness to comply with the court’s decision. He emphasized his respect for the Supreme Court and its authority.

Abrego Garcia’s attorneys filed a motion for additional relief, citing Trump’s statements as evidence that the U.S. government has the power to bring him back to Maryland. They requested that the government provide air transportation for his return and grant him parole.

Judge Paula Xinis of the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland had requested a daily status report on Abrego Garcia’s case. While the State Department’s update confirmed his whereabouts, it did not provide details on his return to the U.S.

Abrego Garcia, who was mistakenly deported to El Salvador despite a court order prohibiting his removal, is currently detained in the CECOT mega-prison. The Trump administration has alleged that he is a member of the MS-13 gang, a claim that his lawyers and wife deny.

Xinis has ordered the government to assist in Abrego Garcia’s return to the U.S., a decision that was upheld by the Supreme Court. The Court emphasized the importance of ensuring that his case is handled appropriately and in accordance with the law.

Overall, the situation surrounding Abrego Garcia’s deportation error continues to unfold, with legal proceedings ongoing to secure his return to American soil.