Kilmar Abrego García, a Maryland resident, is still incarcerated in El Salvador after being inappropriately deported a month ago. As his deportation now appears imminent, deep concerns have been expressed by his family and legal team. They’re convinced he’s the victim of mistaken identity and wrongful accusations of gang affiliation.
On March 12, Abrego García was picked up by ICE officers during a routine check at a clinic in Nashville. Authorities alleged that he had connections to gangs, an allegation that his family has strongly disputed. On March 15, he was deported to his home country of El Salvador. This was ground zero for one of the U.S. government’s high-profile deportation flights. Since Abrego García’s deportation, his wife, Jennifer Vásquez Sura, a U.S. citizen, has lost the ability to talk to him.
According to the U.S. government, Abrego García is a gang member. His family argues that throughout this time, he has maintained a valid U.S. work permit since 2019 and is not a threat. Both Abrego García and his family fought his deportation every step of the way. They ultimately filed a lawsuit against him, claiming that he should not have been sent back to El Salvador in light of the current state of affairs there.
The legal fight turned dramatically when the U.S. Supreme Court supported a lower odge’s order. This new ruling was initially intended to clear the path for his return. Today, Abrego García remains imprisoned in the infamous Terrorism Confinement Center in El Salvador. This place of confinement may be the most infamous in the world for the pervasive brutality.
Michael G Kozak, a Senior Bureau Official in the State Department’s Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, confirmed Abrego García’s location in a recent statement.
“He is alive and secure in that facility. He is detained pursuant to the sovereign, domestic authority of El Salvador.” – Michael G Kozak
Although he has been assured by the agency that he will be safe, his family and advocates remain fearful for his well-being. Vásquez Sura told The Washington Post that she was upset by the bureau’s failure to communicate and be transparent about her husband’s fate.
“I’m not asking for state secrets. All I know is that he’s not here. The government was prohibited from sending him to El Salvador, and now I’m asking a very simple question: Where is he?” – Judge Paula Xinis
In particular, Vásquez Sura emphasized her compassion for those who find themselves in similar circumstances.
“and all the Kilmars out there whose stories are still waiting to be heard.” – Jennifer Vásquez Sura
The developing crisis presents urgent and fundamental questions regarding, for example, the deportation priorities established by U.S. authorities. It highlights their treatment of people suspected of gang membership without any proof. As the legal proceedings continue, many await clarity on Kilmar Abrego García’s future and the potential repercussions for those involved in his wrongful deportation.