Kilmar Abrego Garcia: Maryland man mistakenly deported to El Salvador back in U.S. now

Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland met with Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran immigrant deported to El Salvador by the Trump administration, in San Salvador. Abrego Garcia, who returned to the United States, faces federal charges related to migrant smuggling in Tennessee. Attorney General Pam Bondi stated that Abrego Garcia, accused of alien smuggling and conspiracy, appeared in court in Nashville. The Justice Department argued for his pretrial detention, citing him as a danger to the community. President Nayib Bukele of El Salvador agreed to return Abrego Garcia to the U.S. to face the charges. If convicted, he will be deported back to El Salvador. Bondi described Abrego Garcia as part of an alien smuggling ring and praised Bukele for facilitating his return. President Trump expressed disapproval of Abrego Garcia’s return. Abrego Garcia’s lawyer argued for immigration court instead of criminal court. The government admitted to mistakenly deporting Abrego Garcia, who was granted legal status in 2019. The criminal charges may impact his immigration case.