Harsh Statement from the White House: “I Cannot Smuggle a Terrorist into the U.S.”
Bukele likened the extradition of Abrego Garcia to “smuggling a terrorist into the U.S.,” reiterating the U.S. authorities’ claims that he is linked to the MS-13 gang.
This event sparked considerable controversy despite the U.S. Supreme Court’s order to the federal government to secure Abrego Garcia’s return. Despite this, several officials from the Trump administration, including Attorney General Pam Bondi and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, argued in Oval Office meetings that the US was not obligated to comply with this decision.
The US Department of Homeland Security, in documents submitted to the court on Monday, stated that forcibly returning an individual from a sovereign state was outside its authority. Bukele supported this stance, saying, “This question is absurd. How could I secretly bring a terrorist into the US?”
Abrego Garcia’s lawyers categorically denied the gang-related allegations, stating that there was no credible evidence to support them. Although the US government described the March 15 deportation as an “administrative error,” critics interpret the failure to implement the Supreme Court ruling as the executive branch defying the judiciary.
Those Deported from the US to El Salvador Are Held in a Controversial Prison
Immigrants deported from the US to El Salvador are being held in the country’s high-security Counter-Terrorism Center prison. This massive facility has come to the forefront due to human rights violations, with allegations that Bukele’s campaign against gangs has led to extrajudicial killings and the arrest of innocent people.
At the last meeting in the Oval Office, Bukele defended himself against the criticism with these words: “They say they’ve imprisoned thousands, but I think we’ve freed millions.” Trump responded humorously: “Can I use that?”
The U.S. State Department has raised its travel advisory for El Salvador to the safest level due to a significant decrease in violent crime and gang activity in the country. However, the families and lawyers of those deported say that these individuals were not gang members and did not have a chance to defend themselves. The Trump administration continues to claim that those deported were linked to gangs designated as terrorist organizations, such as MS-13 and Tren de Aragua. The Trump administration continues to claim that those deported were linked to gangs designated as terrorist organizations, such as MS-13 and Tren de Aragua. The Trump administration continues to claim that the individuals deported were linked to gangs designated as terrorist organizations, such as MS-13 and Tren de Aragua. The Trump administration continues to claim that the deported individuals were linked to gangs designated as terrorist organizations, such as MS-13 and Tren de Aragua. The Trump administration continues to claim that the Trump administration was …, such as MS-13 and Tren de Aragua. The {“className”:””} –>
Abrego Garcia had been living legally in the U.S. with a work permit since 2011. An immigration judge had previously ruled that he needed protection due to gang violence. Despite this, he was deported in March.
Last week, the Supreme Court upheld the lower court’s decision, instructing the government to “facilitate and ensure” Abrego Garcia’s return.
However, the government’s reaction to the decision has raised serious questions about whether court orders were being defied. Bukele mocked the court decision on social media, sharing an image of migrants descending the plane’s stairs with the caption “Oopsie… You’re too late.” Tuesday’s hearing may clarify whether the Trump administration pressured El Salvador not to release Abrego Garcia. While the Supreme Court has acknowledged the executive’s authority in foreign policy, some legal experts consider the non-implementation of the decisions a serious constitutional problem.
