Wrongly Deported Maryland Man Confirmed to Be in El Salvador

US representatives Nydia Velázquez and Juan Vargas hold up signs for Kilmar Abrego García on 9 April 2025.

The Trump administration confirmed Saturday that a Maryland man was wrongly deported and remains in El Salvador. The White House did not listen to the judge demanding the administration show the steps it was taking to return Kilmar Abrego García to the United States.

Michael G Kozak, who identified himself as a Senior Bureau Official in the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, confirmed García’s locations. It comes after US district judge Paula Xinis did not receive any answers on García’s location. Xinis ordered the administration to disclose García’s location, custodial status, and how the defendant could return home.

García has had a legal US work permit since 2019 but was stopped by ICE officers on March 12th and questioned about gang affiliation. He was deported on one of three high-profile deportation flights to El Salvador, infamously known for defying judge orders to return to the United States.

It assumed special powers to expel without a hearing and deported them. García’s wife has not been able to speak to him and has been rallying outside the court and with supporters. We pray for García’s safety.