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Political Tensions Rise Over Misdeported Maryland Man

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) expressed strong disapproval of Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele’s recent statements regarding the deportation of a Maryland resident, Kilmar Abrego Garcia. Bukele’s refusal to facilitate Garcia’s return, despite a Supreme Court ruling mandating action, has sparked outrage from U.S. lawmakers.

When reporters asked the Salvadoran president about the possibility of returning Garcia after the Supreme Court directed the U.S. to “facilitate” his return, Bukele responded decisively: “Of course I’m not going to do it.” This remark has drawn significant criticism from Schumer, who highlighted the Court’s ruling and called the president’s comments “pure nonsense.”

“President Bukele’s comment today is pure nonsense,” Schumer stated, reaffirming that the law has been violated and that the Supreme Court has clearly instructed the Trump administration to assist in Garcia’s return. “He should be returned to the U.S. immediately,” Schumer emphasized. He underscored the importance of due process, stating, “Due process and the rule of law are cornerstones of American society for citizens and noncitizens alike; not to follow that is dangerous and outrageous. A threat to one is a threat to all.”

Both former President Donald Trump and Bukele have claimed a lack of authority to return Garcia, who was wrongfully deported to a high-security prison in El Salvador by a U.S. administration that has acknowledged its error. Bukele described the notion of returning Garcia as a ridiculous proposition, stating, “How could I return him to the United States? I smuggle him to the United States? Of course I’m not going to do it,” while labeling Garcia a terrorist.

Furthermore, Bukele expressed his reluctance to release individuals he regards as threats, remarking on the responsibility of nations regarding individuals labeled as terrorists. Attorney General Pam Bondi clarified that the decision ultimately lies with the Salvadoran government and that the U.S. can only assist by providing transportation if El Salvador agrees to the return.

“The Supreme Court ruled, president, that if El Salvador wants to return him … we would facilitate it, meaning provide a plane,” Bondi noted, reiterating the obligations stemming from the Court’s decision.

Garcia, who was deported based on allegations of gang affiliation, has been defended by his family, who argue that he was forced to flee El Salvador due to gang violence and has never actually lived in New York. Importantly, a judge had ordered against his deportation, citing credible fears of persecution by local gangs as a significant factor.

Additionally, Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) has been actively seeking a meeting with President Bukele during his visit to the U.S. this week. He indicated that if Garcia was not returned by mid-week, he would personally travel to El Salvador to assess the situation and advocate for Garcia’s release.

“Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia never should have been abducted and illegally deported, and the courts have made clear: the Administration must bring him home, now,” Van Hollen asserted. He expressed urgency in addressing this matter, highlighting the failure of the Trump Administration to heed court mandates and the need for further action.

“That’s why I’ve requested to meet with President Bukele during his trip to the United States, and — if Kilmar is not home by midweek — I plan to travel to El Salvador this week to check on his condition and discuss his release,” Van Hollen concluded.

Source
thehill.com