The Trump administration has been directed by a U.S. federal court to provide daily updates on the condition of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland resident who was wrongfully deported to El Salvador despite being legally protected from removal.
This court-mandated update is the result of a recent ruling by U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis, who ordered the White House to “facilitate” Abrego Garcia’s return after acknowledging that his deportation was an administrative error.
Where Is Kilmar Abrego Garcia Now?
As of the latest report on Saturday, U.S. officials confirmed that Kilmar Abrego Garcia is alive and being held in El Salvador’s maximum-security CECOT prison.
Michael Kozack, a senior official at the U.S. State Department, stated that this information came directly from the U.S. Embassy in San Salvador, El Salvador’s capital. He also emphasized that Abrego Garcia is being held under El Salvador’s domestic legal authority, making the situation more complex for U.S. officials to resolve.
Court Orders U.S. to Facilitate His Return
Despite the Trump administration admitting the mistake, it has resisted efforts to bring Abrego Garcia back, saying that President Trump cannot be forced to act now that the man is in another country’s custody.
However, the Supreme Court has upheld Judge Xinis’ order, confirming that U.S. officials are responsible for facilitating his return.
Abrego Garcia’s 2019 immigration court ruling had granted him protection from being sent back to El Salvador, citing threats of violence and gang persecution in his home country. His deportation directly violated that judgment.
What Are the Next Steps?
His legal team has submitted a formal request for the U.S. government to take several urgent actions, including:
- Requesting his release from CECOT prison
- Preparing all paperwork needed for international travel
- Providing U.S. personnel to escort him during his journey
- Arranging transportation, since he may lack proper identification to board a commercial flight
Lawyers are also asking the court to consider holding the government in contempt for delaying his return.
What’s at Stake?
This case raises serious questions about immigration enforcement, human rights, and government accountability. While the administration claims it cannot override another country’s laws, the courts have made it clear: the U.S. must correct its mistake and ensure Abrego Garcia is safely brought back to American soil.