PolitiFact | Fact-checking Nayib Bukele and Trump officials on Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia’s deportation

Key Figures and Claims

PolitiFact investigated statements made by President Nayib Bukele, Trump administration officials, and others about the deportation of Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, who was deported to El Salvador despite having legal protection against deportation to that country. The article analyzes claims surrounding Abrego Garcia's alleged gang affiliation, the impact of designating MS-13 as a foreign terrorist organization, and the Supreme Court's ruling on the matter.

Misleading Statements

• Attorney General Pam Bondi stated Abrego Garcia was ruled to be an MS-13 member by two courts. PolitiFact found this needs context; while immigration judges denied him bond based on an informant's accusation, this isn't equivalent to a ruling of gang membership.
• White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller claimed the MS-13 designation automatically revoked Abrego Garcia's protection. This is inaccurate; the government would've had to reopen his case to prove gang membership.
• President Bukele described returning Abrego Garcia as smuggling a terrorist. No evidence supports Abrego Garcia being a terrorist.
• Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated Abrego Garcia was deported to his country of origin. This is misleading as his withholding of removal order prevented deportation to El Salvador.
• Stephen Miller described the Supreme Court ruling as a 9-0 win. The Court ordered the US government to facilitate Abrego Garcia's release and return, highlighting the administration's failure to comply.

Supreme Court Ruling and Aftermath

The Supreme Court ruled that the US government must facilitate Abrego Garcia's release and return, finding his deportation to be improper. The lower court subsequently ordered daily updates on the government's actions, highlighting continued non-compliance.

Abrego Garcia's Status

Abrego Garcia, despite the claims made by some officials, had been granted withholding of removal which protected him from deportation to El Salvador. His deportation is described as an 'oversight' and 'administrative error' by the Justice Department. He remains in a Salvadoran prison at the US government's request.