U.S. Presidents, Donald Trump and El Salvador President Nayib Bukele made it clear at an Oval Office meeting on Monday, April 14 that Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia of Maryland (Maryland residents were wrongly deported to El Salvador) will not return to the United States.
This position remains despite a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that requires the federal government to “promote” Abreg Garcia’s return. White House officials argued that despite the obligation to facilitate governance, it did not force El Salvador to comply. President Bukele dismissed the suggestion when CNN’s Kaitlan Collins asked him directly if he wanted to return to Abrego Garcia.
“I hope you don’t advise me to sneak terrorists to the United States,” Buckler said. “How can I smuggle terrorists into the United States? Of course, I won’t do it. The problem is ridiculous.”
The brief and unsigned ruling of the Supreme Court made an earlier order from U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis, requiring the U.S. government to take steps to return to Abrego Garcia. However, the Justice clarified that while the government must “promote” reward, it does not need to “achieve” it, which is a subtle but big difference.
Senior White House officials have opposed Judge Sinis’ order, believing it violates the executive’s power to enforce foreign policy. President Trump has shifted his position in recent days. He has since responded to the White House explanation after initially saying that he would respect the Supreme Court’s ruling.
“If the Supreme Court said I would do this if I brought someone back. I respect the Supreme Court.” However, he has not taken action to implement the decision.
Abrego Garcia reportedly entered the United States illegally around 2011. In 2019, an immigration judge reviewed his case and determined that he should not be deported, citing a reliable threat from El Salvador, whose family targeted his family because of their Pupusa business. Despite the ruling, he was later deported under dispute.
