Trump Admin Mistakenly Deports Maryland Father to Notorious El Salvadoran Prison

A paperwork error sent Kilmar Abrego Garcia to one of the world’s most dangerous prisons—now the U.S. says it can’t bring him back.

The Trump administration mistakenly deported Maryland resident Kilmar Abrego Garcia to El Salvador, despite a 2019 court order allowing him to remain in the U.S.

Now detained in one of the country’s most notorious prisons, his family and legal advocates are fighting to bring him back—while the administration argues he is a public safety threat. (The Atlantic)

The Deportation Incident

On March 15, 2025, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deported Abrego Garcia to El Salvador's Terrorism Confinement Center, a facility notorious for its harsh conditions. This action directly violated a prior court ruling that recognized his credible fear of persecution if returned to El Salvador. (Politico)

Family's Distress and Legal Response

Abrego Garcia's wife, a U.S. citizen, has expressed profound concern for her husband's safety, noting that she has not been able to contact him since his deportation. His attorney, Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg, has filed a motion requesting the U.S. government to facilitate his return, arguing that the deportation lacked legal authority. (WSJ)

ICE's Explanation and Legal Stance

Become a paid subscriber to dive deeper with The 47 to learn why the Trump administration says they can’t bring Abrego Garcia back and why they believe he’s dangerous anyways.