The United States has brought back 29-year-old Kilmar Ábrego García from El Salvador to face federal charges related to a human trafficking conspiracy, after mistakenly deporting him in March. He is accused of playing a key role in a smuggling ring that moved undocumented migrants, including alleged MS-13 gang members, across multiple states.
According to a two-count indictment unsealed Friday in a Tennessee court, Ábrego García faces charges of conspiracy to transport undocumented aliens and unlawful transportation of undocumented migrants. Prosecutors allege he transported migrants more than 100 times between Texas, Maryland, and other states, in a scheme dating back to 2016. The Department of Justice also claims he facilitated the movement of gang members and trafficked narcotics and weapons, though he has not been formally charged with those offenses.
Ábrego García’s deportation in March triggered legal and political outcry. Although an immigration judge had granted him protection from removal in 2019 due to fears of persecution by gangs in El Salvador, he was deported amid an immigration crackdown by the Trump administration under the Alien Enemies Act. He was detained at the notorious Cecot mega-prison in El Salvador before being moved to another facility following pressure from lawmakers.
The U.S. Supreme Court ordered the administration in April to facilitate his return, but the White House resisted until an arrest warrant was issued and El Salvador agreed to his release.
Speaking at a press briefing, attorney Simon Sandoval Moshenberg condemned the deportation and prosecution as a “grave abuse of power,” arguing that his client has never been convicted of any crime in either country. Senator Chris Van Hollen echoed concerns, stressing that the case is about upholding constitutional rights.
Ábrego García appeared in court Friday in Nashville and remains in federal custody. A formal arraignment is scheduled for June 13. Prosecutors will argue he should remain detained due to flight risk and potential danger to the community.
President Donald Trump defended the decision, calling Ábrego García a “bad guy,” while El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele confirmed his government’s cooperation in the extradition.
