Mon Apr 21 20:10:00 UTC 2025: ## US Democrats Condemn Trump Administration’s Refusal to Return Wrongfully Deported Salvadoran Citizen

**San Salvador, El Salvador** – Four House Democrats arrived in El Salvador Monday to demand the release of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran citizen who was deported to El Salvador by the Trump administration despite a Supreme Court order mandating his return to the United States. Rep. Robert Garcia (D-CA), leading the delegation, denounced the deportation as an “illegal kidnapping” and a violation of due process.

Abrego Garcia, who lived in Maryland, was deported due to what the Trump administration claims was an administrative error. However, an immigration judge previously ruled against his deportation to El Salvador, citing credible fears of persecution. The Trump administration counters that Abrego Garcia was a member of the MS-13 gang, a claim his lawyers vehemently deny.

Despite the Supreme Court’s order, the Trump administration has refused to facilitate Abrego Garcia’s return, claiming it cannot force El Salvador to release one of its citizens. This stance has drawn bipartisan criticism, with El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele calling the idea of Abrego Garcia’s release “preposterous.” A federal court recently rejected the Trump administration’s appeal of the return order.

The Democratic delegation’s trip, which is not taxpayer-funded, follows a string of visits by US officials to El Salvador, including high-ranking members of the State Department and Department of Homeland Security, who have toured the controversial mega-prison CECOT where Abrego Garcia is incarcerated. The Democrats’ request for congressional travel funds and security was denied by Republican committee chairs. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) visited Abrego Garcia last week.

The Democrats’ visit underscores the ongoing tension surrounding the Trump administration’s immigration policies and its relationship with El Salvador, particularly concerning the treatment of deportees and the legality of deportations. The case highlights the broader debate over due process and the accountability of the US government in cases of wrongful deportation.

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