El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele has stated he will not return Kilmar Abrego Garcia to the United States, despite U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi’s remark that it was up to El Salvador to decide whether to send him back.
Bukele made the comments alongside President Trump in the Oval Office.
The Justice Department had expressed its willingness to overcome any obstacles to facilitate Abrego Garcia’s return. However, Bukele dismissed the request, calling it “preposterous” and emphasized that he does not have the authority to send Garcia to the U.S. Abrego Garcia, who is being held in El Salvador’s Terrorism Confinement Center, was mistakenly deported from the U.S., and his lawyers argue that he has no criminal ties to MS-13.
Bondi clarified that the U.S. would assist with the return if El Salvador chooses to comply. Meanwhile, the Trump administration is in discussions to ensure Garcia’s release from El Salvador, with U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis demanding updates on the matter.
Abrego Garcia’s wife, Jennifer Vasquez Sura, criticized both administrations for using her husband’s case for political purposes.
In addition, President Trump expressed his support for sending U.S. citizens convicted of violent crimes to El Salvador for incarceration, although legal experts have raised concerns about the constitutional issues surrounding such a move.
