Importance Score: 70 / 100 🔴
Trump Administration Reports Detained Man in El Salvador is Alive
In a late Saturday filing, the Trump administration stated that Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a man mistakenly deported to El Salvador, is alive and remains in detention. The update came after a 5 p.m. deadline, complying with a court order demanding information on Abrego Garcia’s status and efforts to return him to the United States.
Court Order and Government Response
The filing was submitted in response to an order from U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis in Maryland. Judge Xinis had instructed the government to provide daily reports on Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s location, condition, and steps being taken for his repatriation.
Michael G. Kozak, a senior State Department official, declared in a sworn statement that, based on embassy reports from San Salvador, Abrego Garcia is being held at the Terrorism Confinement Center in El Salvador. Kozak affirmed Abrego Garcia is alive and secure, detained under El Salvador’s sovereign authority.
Attorneys Cite Trump’s Words in Plea for Relief
Separately, Abrego Garcia’s legal team submitted a filing Saturday evening seeking additional relief. They quoted President Trump’s prior statements to support their argument for his return.
Trump’s Previous Statements on Supreme Court and Repatriation
Referencing a Supreme Court ruling ordering the Trump administration to “facilitate” Abrego Garcia’s release from Salvadoran custody, the attorneys quoted Trump as telling reporters Friday night, “If the Supreme Court said, ‘Bring somebody back,’ I would do that. … I respect the Supreme Court.” This statement, made on Friday, seemed to indicate a willingness to comply with court orders regarding repatriation.
Contradictory Statements and Shifting Stance
However, President Trump appeared to backtrack on this message in a Saturday post on Truth Social. In his post, Trump mentioned working with President Bukele of El Salvador on counter-terrorism and prosperity initiatives.
Trump’s social media post further stated that President Bukele had “graciously accepted into his Nation’s custody some of the most violent alien enemies” and that these individuals’ futures were in El Salvador’s hands. This post contrasted with his previous statement and introduced uncertainty regarding Abrego Garcia’s return.
Legal Actions and Demands for Compliance
Abrego Garcia’s attorneys are urging the district court to mandate the government to take concrete actions by Monday’s end to comply with the injunction. They are also requesting expedited discovery of the government’s actions concerning Abrego Garcia’s return.
Furthermore, they request the court to demand the government demonstrate by Monday morning why it should not be held in contempt for failing to adhere to prior court directives, specifically the April 11 order requiring information on steps to coordinate Abrego Garcia’s return following the Supreme Court ruling.
Court’s Previous Orders and Government Delays
Judge Xinis had previously instructed the Trump administration on Friday to “take all available steps to facilitate” Abrego Garcia’s return, following the Supreme Court’s order. She also mandated daily updates on his location and status.
The Supreme Court decision did not necessitate an immediate return, as Judge Xinis’ initial deadline had passed. However, it stipulated that the government should inform the court about steps taken and future plans. The ruling rejected the administration’s appeal against Judge Xinis’ April 4 order, which initially demanded Abrego Garcia’s return by April 7.
The government had stated on Friday that additional time was needed to provide the requested information to Judge Xinis.
Mistaken Deportation and Identity
Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland resident with legal protections against deportation since 2019, was mistakenly deported to a Salvadoran prison. He was sent alongside individuals alleged to be gang members.
The Trump administration alleges Abrego Garcia is affiliated with MS-13, although he has never faced criminal charges or convictions. His attorneys refute these claims, stating there is no evidence of gang affiliation. Immigration officials have acknowledged the deportation as an “administrative error,” conceding he should not have been sent to El Salvador, his birth country.
Confirmation of Life and Upcoming Hearing
Saturday’s filing marks the first government confirmation of Abrego Garcia being alive since March 15. Judge Xinis is scheduled to convene a hearing Tuesday afternoon to assess the government’s progress in securing Abrego Garcia’s return to the United States.