The US must return a Maryland man mistakenly deported to an El Salvador prison, judge says
https://apnews.com/article/el-salvador-deportation-maryland-man-trump-617bfac0e54b241fa2f54783bdf08628
The US must return a Maryland man mistakenly deported to an El Salvador prison, judge says
By MICHAEL KUNZELMAN
Updated 2:05 PM CDT, April 4, 2025
GREENBELT, Md. (AP) A federal judge on Friday ordered the Trump administration to arrange for the return of a Maryland man to the United States after he was mistakenly deported to a notorious El Salvador prison.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement expelled Kilmar Abrego Garcia last month despite an immigration judges 2019 ruling that shielded him from deportation to his native El Salvador, where he faced likely persecution by local gangs.
Before she issued her ruling, U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis described Abrego Garcias deportation as an illegal act.
Xinis also questioned why he was sent to the prison in El Salvador, which observers say is rife with human rights abuses.
Why is he there, of all places? the judge asked.
The judges ruling came shortly after Abrego Garcias wife joined dozens of supporters at a rally to urge her husbands immmediate return.
Jennifer Vasquez Sura, a U.S. citizen, hasnt spoken to Abrego Garcia since he was flown to his native El Salvador last month and imprisoned. She urged her supporters to keep fighting for her husband and all the Kilmars out there whose stories are still waiting to be heard.
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