Trump administration blocked plan to retrieve Abrego Garcia from El Salvador: Report

Source: The Independent

Saturday 26 April 2025 17:11 BST


Trump administration officials reportedly worked on a plan to bring Kilmar Abrego Garcia back to the U.S. from El Salvador before the White House performed a dramatic U-turn, according to The Atlantic. At first, Abrego Garcia’s removal from American soil was called an “administrative error” and then a “clerical error.” But now, the administration is adamant that Abrego Garcia is a gang member and a terrorist who will never set foot in the U.S. again.

However, in the days after his removal, some officials tried to find ways to bring him back. They grew concerned for his safety in a prison where he may be attacked, and they were stumped over the thin evidence connecting him to being part of a gang.

Abrego Garcia’s family sued, prompting discussions between lawyers at the Department of Justice, State, and Homeland Security, according to The Atlantic. Those discussions contradict the government’s subsequent statements, in which they were adamant that Abrego Garcia wouldn’t return to the U.S.

U.S. officials reportedly worked to resolve the case before their work was blocked. The discussions included the notion of having the U.S. ambassador to El Salvador make an appeal to President Nayib Bukele for Abrego Garcia’s return. However, the legal team at the State Department first wanted more information from Homeland Security about the allegations that he was a member of the MS-13 gang. The little evidence they received led to a skeptical response from State Department lawyers.

Read more: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/kilmar-abrego-garcia-el-salvador-trump-b2740067.html