El Salvador's president rejects the return to the U.S. of a man deported by mistake

El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele firmly stated his position regarding the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia to the United States. This statement came in response to Attorney General Pam Bondi's comments, which suggested it was "up to El Salvador" to decide whether to facilitate Garcia's return after he was mistakenly deported to an El Salvador prison. The two leaders made their statements in the Oval Office alongside President Trump during a meeting.

Legal Proceedings and Administrative Error

The Justice Department had previously indicated its willingness to take "all available steps to remove any domestic obstacles" to facilitate Garcia's return. However, President Bukele expressed skepticism, questioning the feasibility of smuggling a terrorist into the United States and asserting that he did not possess the authority to effectuate such a return.

Attorney General Bondi emphasized that the decision to return Garcia rested with El Salvador, reiterating that he was illegally in the United States. She mentioned the Supreme Court's ruling, which stated that El Salvador could choose to return Garcia, and the U.S. government would facilitate the process by providing a plane. However, the Supreme Court did not impose any condition on whether El Salvador would want to return Abrego Garcia.

Abrego Garcia's Legal Status

Abrego Garcia's legal representatives maintain that he has no ties to the MS-13 gang and has not been charged or convicted of any criminal offenses in either the United States or El Salvador. The Trump administration acknowledged that his deportation to the high-security prison in El Salvador was an "administrative error."

Current Detention and Cooperation

Michael G. Kozak, a senior State Department official, confirmed in a court filing that Abrego Garcia is currently held in the Terrorism Confinement Center in El Salvador, where he is alive and secure. His detention is pursuant to the sovereign authority of El Salvador.

Deportation Flights and International Cooperation

The Trump administration had previously sent deportation flights carrying foreign nationals identified as members of the Tren de Aragua and MS-13 gangs, among whom was Abrego Garcia, a resident of Maryland with his family. President Bukele expressed his eagerness to collaborate with the United States in combating crime and terrorism, commending the decline in crossings at the U.S. southern border under President Trump's administration.

Strengthening Bilateral Relations

President Trump highlighted the close collaboration between the two nations in eradicating terrorist organizations and fostering prosperity. He acknowledged President Bukele's acceptance of custody over violent individuals, commending El Salvador's role in safeguarding the United States from potential threats.

Conclusion

The ongoing discourse between the leaders of El Salvador and the United States underscores the complexities of international relations, particularly in matters concerning immigration and security. The legal status of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the implications of his deportation, and the potential for cooperation between the two nations remain pivotal points of discussion.