El Salvador President Nayib Bukele said Monday he will not return Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland resident and Salvadoran national who was mistakenly deported under the Trump administration. Bukele made the remarks during a joint press conference with President Donald Trump, defying a recent Supreme Court ruling requiring the U.S. government to “facilitate” Abrego Garcia’s return.
Bukele called the suggestion “preposterous,” saying, “I don’t have the power to return him to the United States.” He also referred to Abrego Garcia as a “terrorist,” despite no criminal convictions.
The Justice Department previously admitted Abrego Garcia was deported in error due to an administrative mistake. A 2019 court order had granted him protection from removal, citing threats of gang violence. The administration claims he is a member of MS-13, based on an unverified informant report—a claim his family denies.
Trump officials, including Attorney General Pam Bondi and adviser Stephen Miller, argued El Salvador has sole authority over the detainee’s fate. Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) countered that the U.S. could demand his return under existing agreements.
Sources
Discover more from News Facts Network
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
