El Salvador Refuses Return of Mistakenly Deported Man – Supreme Court Overruled

El Salvador Refuses to Return Mistakenly Deported Man Despite U.S. Supreme Court Ruling

Published: April 14, 2025

In a bold diplomatic standoff, El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele has publicly refused to return Kilmar Abrego Garcia to the United States, despite confirmation from the U.S. Supreme Court that his deportation was a legal mistake. The incident has sparked renewed debates over executive power, immigration rights, and international law.

???? What Happened in the Oval Office?

During a highly anticipated meeting in the Oval Office, President Bukele was directly asked whether he would return Garcia to the U.S., as ordered by America’s highest court. His response was anything but diplomatic:

    “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,” Bukele replied.

Sitting beside him, President Donald Trump offered his own opinion on the matter:

    “They’d love to have a criminal released into our country. These are sick people,” Trump said, referring to the reporters present.

???? Who Is Kilmar Abrego Garcia?

Garcia, a lawful permanent resident from Maryland, was deported in early 2025. According to immigration records, a 2019 court ruling explicitly barred his deportation to El Salvador due to credible fears of persecution.

Despite this, the U.S. Justice Department removed him anyway. He is now being held in El Salvador’s notorious CECOT facility (a maximum-security prison) under alleged terrorism concerns — though he has never been criminally charged in either country.

⚖️ Supreme Court Ruling Ignored

The U.S. Supreme Court deemed his deportation illegal and ordered the federal government to "facilitate his return" — though the court also acknowledged that enforcement depends partly on international cooperation.

Initially, the Justice Department admitted fault, but the Trump administration has since reversed its position, now claiming that Garcia was “the right person sent to the right place.”

???????? El Salvador’s Stance

Bukele’s hardline approach appears focused on optics rather than legality. He has labeled Garcia a “terrorist,” despite no court ever finding him guilty. When asked if Garcia would be freed in El Salvador, Bukele bluntly replied:

    “We’re not very fond of releasing terrorists.”

???? Legal and Human Rights Fallout

Legal experts argue that the U.S. has a responsibility to correct its error — and fast. Advocates warn that failure to comply with the Supreme Court threatens the rule of law and endangers future immigration protections.

Meanwhile, Garcia remains detained, trapped in a geopolitical tug-of-war with no clear path home.

???? Public Reactions

•    
• Supporters of Bukele praise his uncompromising stance on alleged criminals.

•    
• Critics slam both administrations for violating Garcia’s rights and ignoring the court’s authority.

???? Final Thoughts

This story represents more than just a legal error — it highlights the fragility of due process in immigration cases and the unpredictable consequences of international politics. Whether Garcia will ever return to the U.S. remains uncertain. For now, his future is caught in limbo between two governments with no intention of backing down.

Stay tuned for updates as this developing situation unfolds.