Archive · 3 Jul 2025
Deportee Claims Torture After Wrongful Deportation by US
In 2019, a man named Kilmar was told he couldn't be sent back to El Salvador because of possible danger.
But the US government sent him back anyway.
He ended up in a tough prison in El Salvador and says he was treated badly, like being made to kneel for hours and not being allowed to use the bathroom.
Eventually, the US brought him back.
The US government says he's in a gang, but the prison in El Salvador said he wasn't.
Now, the US wants to send him away to another country.
His lawyers say this is all wrong.
A Salvadoran man, deported by the Trump administration despite a court order, alleges torture in El Salvador.
Kilmar Abrego Garcia, previously granted protection from deportation by a US judge, was sent to El Salvador's CECOT prison.
Abrego Garcia reports being denied basic necessities and subjected to physical abuse during his three months of imprisonment.
Salvadoran authorities determined Abrego Garcia was not a gang member, contradicting the US government's claims.
The US government has re-indicted Abrego Garcia after his return, now seeking to deport him to a third country.
- Who
- Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, US and Salvadoran authorities, Trump administration.
- What
- A US deportee alleges torture in El Salvador and faces re-deportation after return to the US.
- When
- March 2025 (deportation), three months of imprisonment in El Salvador.
- Where
- El Salvador's CECOT prison and federal custody in Nashville, Tennessee.
- Why
- The US government wanted to deport Abrego Garcia, allegedly based on gang affiliation, despite legal obstacles and allegations of torture.
Abrego Garcia's Lawyers
The Trump Administration
Gang Membership
Abrego Garcia's Lawyers
Argue evidence against Abrego Garcia is flimsy and the government is acting in bad faith by seeking further deportation.
The Trump Administration
The government claims Abrego Garcia is part of the MS-13 gang and should be deported.
Deportation
Abrego Garcia's Lawyers
Claimed Abrego Garcia's deportation was a deliberate defiance of a court order.
The Trump Administration
Initially brushed aside the deportation as an “administrative error.”
- Deportee's Name
- Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia
- Original Protection
- Granted in 2019 by US immigration judge
- Deportation Date
- March 2025
- Prison Name
- CECOT (El Salvador)
- Alleged Abuse
- Denied access to toilet, forced to kneel, physical assault
- Current Status
- In US federal custody, facing re-deportation