Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a 29-year-old man from El Salvador, faced severe mistreatment after being deported from the U.S. to a notorious prison known as CECOT in El Salvador. This facility is often referred to as the Terrorism Confinement Centre, and Abrego Garcia’s experience there has raised significant concerns about human rights violations.
In March, Abrego Garcia was deported despite a 2019 protection order that should have prevented his removal. He was accused of gang involvement, a claim he denies. Once in El Salvador, he was subjected to brutal treatment from the moment he arrived. According to court documents, he experienced physical abuse, sleep deprivation, and psychological torture. He reported that guards physically assaulted him during his transport and continued to abuse him in prison.
Abrego Garcia described horrific conditions in CECOT. He was forced to kneel for hours, denied bathroom access, and kept in overcrowded cells with minimal sanitation. He lost a significant amount of weight and suffered visible injuries due to the beatings. The prison was described as having no windows and constant bright lights, contributing to a dehumanizing atmosphere.
His situation drew attention from U.S. lawmakers, including Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen, who visited him in April. Despite a federal judge ruling that Abrego Garcia had a right to be released while awaiting trial for unrelated smuggling charges, he remained incarcerated as legal battles continued over his potential deportation back to El Salvador.
The Trump administration played a significant role in Abrego Garcia’s deportation, with former President Trump and Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele ignoring calls from lawmakers to facilitate his return to the U.S. Trump publicly stated he had not been asked to intervene on Abrego Garcia’s behalf.
After being held in harsh conditions for months, Abrego Garcia was returned to the U.S. on June 6. He now faces charges related to human smuggling, stemming from a previous traffic stop in Tennessee. His lawyers argue that these charges are an attempt to justify his wrongful deportation and the unproven gang allegations against him.
Abrego Garcia’s case highlights ongoing issues surrounding immigration enforcement and the treatment of deportees in El Salvador. His story has sparked discussions about the responsibilities of both the U.S. and Salvadoran governments in protecting the rights of individuals facing deportation.