El Salvador President Refuses to Return Alleged MS-13 Member to US

Deportation Dispute Over Alleged MS-13 Member

• 🇸🇻 El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele stated he cannot send Kilmar Abrego Garcia, deported to El Salvador last month, back to the United States.
• ⚖️ This comes despite a Supreme Court ruling directing the Trump administration to take steps to facilitate Abrego Garcia's return.
• ⚠️ Abrego Garcia was initially deported in 2019 despite a court order preventing his return due to safety concerns about gang targeting within El Salvador.

El Salvador's Stance and US Administration's Argument

• 🚫 Bukele asserted he would not "smuggle terrorists" into the US and claimed he lacks the authority to return Abrego Garcia.
• 🏛️ The Trump administration is contesting the interpretation of the Supreme Court order, arguing they will facilitate his return if El Salvador sends him back.
• 🗣️ US officials highlighted that Abrego Garcia is also a citizen of El Salvador, implying the US cannot force another country's hand.

Background of the Case

• 🇺🇸 Abrego Garcia illegally entered the United States in 2011.
• ⏳ A judge had allowed him to remain in the US for an extended period due to potential safety risks against him.