El Salvador President Nayib Bukele stated during a White House meeting on Monday that he has no plans to return Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland resident mistakenly deported by the U.S., claiming doing so would be akin to "smuggling a terrorist." Despite a U.S. Supreme Court order directing his return, Bukele, echoing the Trump administration’s stance, questioned how he could facilitate the return of someone accused of MS-13 gang ties.
Abrego Garcia, deported on March 15, had lived in the U.S. since 2011 with legal work authorization. A judge had previously ruled he would face danger if sent back to El Salvador. The deportation was deemed an administrative error, but the Trump administration has shown no intent to comply with the court’s directive, asserting that it cannot compel a foreign government to release a detainee. Legal experts argue the U.S. could easily request his release given its agreement with El Salvador.
The incident has raised tensions over the use of El Salvador’s controversial Terrorism Confinement Center, where the U.S. continues to send alleged gang members. Human rights groups criticize the prison for detaining individuals without due process. Bukele, however, defended the crackdown, claiming he’s "liberated millions" from gang violence, a statement welcomed by Trump.
Attorney General Pam Bondi said the U.S. only needs to provide a plane if El Salvador wishes to return Abrego Garcia. Yet, Bukele’s refusal, alongside Trump’s dismissive remarks, suggests coordinated resistance. A court hearing scheduled for Tuesday may scrutinize whether the administration influenced Bukele’s decision, potentially violating the order to “facilitate” the return.
Despite legal and diplomatic challenges, the U.S. continues deportations, with 10 more individuals sent to El Salvador last weekend under alleged gang affiliations.