Documents Reveal Details Behind Mistaken Deportation of Maryland Man to El Salvador

The Trump administration released new documents Wednesday shedding light on the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland man mistakenly deported to El Salvador in March despite a prior court ruling barring his removal. Officials had claimed Abrego Garcia was affiliated with the MS-13 gang, but critics say the evidence is weak and inconsistent.

Abrego Garcia, who was arrested by immigration agents in an Ikea parking lot, was sent to El Salvador’s high-security megaprison on March 15. A 2019 immigration court ruling had granted him protection from deportation due to a “well-founded fear of future persecution” by gangs in El Salvador. That decision followed a previous arrest by Maryland police in a Home Depot parking lot, where Abrego Garcia and three others were questioned for loitering.

According to newly released records, police noted his clothing—a Chicago Bulls cap and a hoodie with symbolic imagery—as gang-associated attire. Officers claimed a confidential informant identified him as a low-level gang member known as “Chele,” but Abrego Garcia has no criminal record and denies any gang affiliation.

The documents also show contradictions, including discrepancies about whether Abrego Garcia expressed fear of returning to El Salvador. Despite this, an immigration judge denied him bond in 2019, citing the informant’s claims and other circumstantial evidence.

His lawyers argue the gang allegations are based solely on hearsay and symbolic clothing, calling the case “a violation of due process.” They criticized the deportation as a breach of the legal protection Abrego Garcia was previously granted.

In 2021, Abrego Garcia’s wife briefly sought a protective order, which was later dismissed. She has since become a vocal advocate for his return, explaining that her actions were precautionary after past abuse in a different relationship.

The Supreme Court recently ruled that the U.S. government must facilitate Abrego Garcia’s release from prison in El Salvador. However, Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele has refused to release him, and the Trump administration has appealed the court order.

U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis, who issued the initial order for his return, questioned the reliability of the gang evidence and criticized the government’s lack of compliance. She is now considering contempt proceedings against federal officials for failing to provide updates on their efforts to secure Abrego Garcia’s release.

Despite mounting legal pressure, the Department of Homeland Security continues to defend its actions, with Secretary Kristi Noem stating that the media focuses too much on “sob stories” of immigrants and not enough on the alleged victims of their actions.

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Bullet Point :

• Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland man, was mistakenly deported to El Salvador despite legal protections.
• He was arrested in March 2025 by ICE agents and sent to a megaprison in El Salvador.
• A 2019 court ruling had granted him protection from deportation due to threats from local gangs.
• Police documents cite his clothing and a confidential informant as reasons for labeling him a gang member.
• Abrego Garcia has no criminal history and denies any affiliation with MS-13.
• His wife once sought a protective order but now publicly supports him and calls the deportation unjust.
• The Supreme Court ruled that the U.S. must help secure his release from Salvadoran custody.
• President Bukele of El Salvador has refused to release Abrego Garcia despite U.S. pressure.
• A federal judge is considering contempt proceedings due to the administration’s inaction.
• Abrego Garcia’s lawyers argue the case is built on hearsay and violated his constitutional rights.