The article centers on the refusal of both the Trump administration and El Salvador's President Bukele to return Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a man mistakenly deported to El Salvador despite a court order. The US government acknowledges the error but claims a lack of authority to facilitate his return. This disagreement involves Judge Xinis's order, upheld by the Supreme Court, mandating the US government's cooperation in returning Garcia.
Attorney General Bondi cited Garcia's illegal immigration status and alleged MS-13 affiliation as reasons against repatriation. However, both the immigration judge and Judge Xinis disputed the MS-13 claim. Stephen Miller, White House chief of staff, argued that designating MS-13 as a foreign terrorist organization necessitated Garcia's deportation, framing the court order as a request to “kidnap” a Salvadoran citizen.
President Bukele vehemently rejected the idea of returning Garcia, characterizing the request as preposterous and implying he lacked the power to “smuggle a terrorist” into the US. He also ruled out simply releasing Garcia within El Salvador.
Trump went further, suggesting the deportation of “homegrown criminals” to El Salvador, even proposing the construction of more facilities to accommodate them. He clarified that this could potentially include American citizens who commit serious crimes, suggesting the administration would investigate the legality of such actions.
Trump's comments suggest an expansion of deportation policies beyond those currently in place. The article highlights potential legal challenges and the international implications of this proposal, involving the cooperation of El Salvador and the adherence to legal frameworks within both countries.