A Maryland man wrongfully deported to El Salvador during the Trump administration has recently been transferred to a new prison, according to U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen. The senator’s update follows his visit to El Salvador, where he met Kilmar Ábrego García, who was relocated to the infamous Cecot (Centre for the Confinement of Terrorism) facility last month.
Concerns over treatment and conditions
Upon meeting Mr. Ábrego García, Senator Van Hollen noted that he appeared to be “traumatised” and expressed anxiety about his safety in the prison. The senator reported that Mr. Ábrego García had been moved to another facility in the country over a week ago, which, while improved, still lacks access to outside communication. “He still has no access to any news from the outside world and no ability to communicate with anybody in the outside world,” Van Hollen stated.
“His conversation with me was the first communication that he had with anybody outside of prison since he was abducted,” Van Hollen said.
Despite the Supreme Court’s directive to facilitate his return to the U.S., officials from the Trump administration have consistently opposed this order, claiming that Mr. Ábrego García is associated with the notorious MS-13 gang. However, he has never been convicted of any crime, and his family along with his lawyers strongly deny the allegations.
Legal battles and accusations
Senator Van Hollen faced initial obstacles in meeting Mr. Ábrego García due to Salvadoran authorities. Eventually, he was able to secure a meeting with the assistance of government officials, leading to a brief reunion in the senator’s hotel. Van Hollen emphasized the importance of transparency in this case, criticizing the administration for its handling of Mr. Ábrego García’s situation.
As the legal battle unfolds, the Trump administration has faced scrutiny from multiple judges, including a unanimous ruling from the Supreme Court, which ordered that Mr. Ábrego García’s return must be facilitated. The administration, however, remains adamant that he will “never” be allowed to live in the United States again, with White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stating, “If he [Mr. Ábrego García] ever ends up back in the United States, he would immediately be deported again.”
In response to the ongoing allegations against him, President Trump characterized Mr. Ábrego García as “not a very innocent guy.” However, there have been no convictions related to two previous allegations against him, including a domestic incident and a traffic stop that raised suspicions of human trafficking but resulted in no charges. His wife ultimately opted to withdraw from the legal process, indicating that they were able to resolve their issues privately.
Mr. Ábrego García’s situation illustrates the complex and often contentious landscape of immigration policy and enforcement in the United States, particularly under the previous administration. As the courts continue to navigate this matter, the implications of such cases on individuals and families remain profound.