El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele has reportedly made it clear that he will not return Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a man who the U.S. Justice Department admits was mistakenly deported to El Salvador.
During a meeting with President Donald Trump, Bukele responded to a question about Garcia’s return by saying, “How can I return him to the United States?
Like if I smuggle him into the United States? Of course, I’m not going to do it. The question is preposterous.” He reiterated that El Salvador does not condone the release of potential terrorists.
Garcia, who has never faced criminal charges in the U.S. or El Salvador, was deported despite a 2019 immigration judge’s order prohibiting his removal to the country.
The Supreme Court has deemed this deportation illegal and has instructed the U.S. government to facilitate his return while respecting the authority of the Salvadoran president.
Despite this, White House adviser Stephen Miller defended the actions of the Trump administration, claiming that Garcia was “sent to the right place” despite the Justice Department’s acknowledgment of the administrative error.
BREAKING: In a shocking moment, President Bukele says he won’t return Abrego Garcia, who was accidentally sent to El Salvador. “How can I smuggle a terrorist into the United States? Of course I’m not going to do it.” pic.twitter.com/871ExyrjvM
— Really American 🇺🇸 (@ReallyAmerican1) April 14, 2025
Miller also mentioned that if Bukele did choose to return Garcia, he would be deported again to El Salvador.
The Trump administration has previously established a $6 million deal with El Salvador to imprison certain deportees, including alleged members of notorious gangs such as MS-13.
While an immigration judge noted that Garcia lacks a criminal record, he was still linked to gang affiliation based on flimsy evidence, including a mere hat and a hoodie.
This case highlights ongoing tensions between the U.S. administration and Salvadoran policy, with significant implications for immigration and international relations.
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