Trump Says He ‘Could’ Return Wrongfully Deported Man But Declines to Act
In a recent ABC News interview marking his 100th day in office, President Donald Trump acknowledged that he “could” facilitate the return of Kilmar Ábrego García, a Maryland resident mistakenly deported to El Salvador. Despite a Supreme Court order mandating the administration to assist in Ábrego García’s return, Trump has not committed to taking action. Ábrego García, who had legal work authorization and no criminal record, was deported in March 2025 due to what the administration later admitted was an “administrative error.” He is currently detained in El Salvador’s high-security prison, CECOT. During the interview, Trump suggested that Ábrego García had gang affiliations, referencing a photo purportedly showing MS-13 tattoos. However, experts have questioned the authenticity of the image, noting it may have been digitally altered. The administration’s refusal to comply with court orders has drawn criticism from lawmakers and human rights advocates, who argue it undermines the rule of law and due process. Senator Chris Van Hollen highlighted that El Salvador’s continued detention of Ábrego García is influenced by U.S. payments under a bilateral agreement. A federal judge previously ordered the Trump administration to provide details on efforts to return Ábrego García, but that order was temporarily halted pending further legal proceedings. AP News The case continues to raise concerns about the administration’s immigration policies and adherence to judicial mandates.