Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland man who was wrongfully deported to El Salvador under the Trump administration, is back in the United States. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi made the announcement during a brief press conference held at the Department of Justice on Friday afternoon. "This is what American justice looks like," Bondi stated, expressing her gratitude to Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele for his assistance in facilitating Abrego Garcia's return.
During the press conference, Attorney General Bondi revealed that a federal grand jury had indicted Abrego Garcia on May 21 in Tennessee. He now faces serious federal criminal charges for allegedly transporting migrants without legal status within the United States. Bondi explained that the alleged criminal activity spanned over nine years, leading to a two-count indictment. The charges specifically accuse Abrego Garcia of conspiracy to unlawfully transport illegal aliens for financial gain and unlawful transportation of illegal aliens for financial gain.
Bondi emphasized that Abrego Garcia will stand trial in the U.S. for these charges. If convicted, he could face imprisonment in a U.S. prison before any potential deportation back to El Salvador.
Abrego Garcia's attorney, Simon Sandoval Moshenberg, has expressed concerns over the handling of his client's case. "We are going to keep fighting to get him a fair trial," Moshenberg stated. He criticized the government's actions, suggesting that the return of Abrego Garcia is not a rectification of their prior mistake but rather a move to prosecute him. "This shows that they were playing games with the court all along," he added. Moshenberg asserted that due process entails the opportunity to defend oneself before punishment is administered, not after.
Originally from El Salvador, Abrego Garcia had been living in Maryland with his wife and children. In March, he was deported to El Salvador's notorious CECOT prison, despite a 2019 court order that prohibited his deportation due to fears of persecution. The Trump administration had accused him of being affiliated with the criminal gang MS-13, a claim that his wife and attorneys vehemently deny.
This case has become a significant focal point for both the Trump administration and immigration advocates, highlighting the ongoing struggle to balance the push for streamlined deportations with the essential elements of due process.
This story is still developing, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available. As with any breaking news story, some reports may later be proven inaccurate. We will rely on credible news outlets, officials, and reporters present at the scene to ensure accurate and timely updates on this significant case.
