The mistaken deportation of a Maryland father to El Salvador triggers outrage as federal authorities fail to clarify his location despite a Supreme Court order.
Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a father of three from Maryland, has become the center of a growing legal storm after he was wrongfully deported to El Salvador—despite a court ruling that should have protected him from removal.
Just one day after the U.S. Supreme Court directed the federal government to take immediate action to facilitate his return, a tense courtroom exchange raised even more questions than answers. In a hearing held before U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis, Justice Department attorney Drew Ensign repeatedly declined to provide basic information about Garcia’s status or location.
“I’m not asking for classified details,” Judge Xinis said. “I’m asking a simple question: Where is he?”
The government’s failure to comply with the Supreme Court’s order has drawn widespread criticism. Legal experts argue that this is not just a bureaucratic mishap—it’s a serious challenge to the rule of law.
Garcia’s deportation took place in direct contradiction to a 2019 ruling that had blocked his removal. His legal team says he has no criminal record and firmly denies any gang affiliation, an accusation allegedly used to justify his removal.
What makes the situation even more alarming is that no U.S. official could confirm whether Garcia is safe or even reachable. Reports suggest he may have been sent to a maximum-security prison in El Salvador, raising concerns for his safety.
Judge Xinis has now ordered the Justice Department to provide daily updates until Garcia is located and steps are actively being taken to return him to the U.S.
As the legal battle continues, the case highlights deep flaws in immigration enforcement and raises broader questions about accountability when government agencies violate judicial orders.
