Kilmer Abrego Garcia was 16 years old when he came to the United States after his family was targeted by criminal gangs at his home in El Salvador. He joined his Maryland brothers and began a new life.
In 2019 he was arrested by immigrant staff and accused of being a gang member, but his lawyers argued that there was no evidence of this, pointing out that there was no criminal conviction, and insisted that he should not be sent back to a country in danger from criminal gangs. The judge agreed and gave him a protected status so that he could not be deported.
For the next few years, Abrego Garcia’s normal life continued. He worked as a metalworker, lived with his wife, two stepchildren and five-year-old son, and began studying again.
Then Donald Trump will return to power, and with promise he will begin to deport many criminals. Last month, Abrego Garcia was once again arrested, detained and found himself on a plane to El Salvador.
Guardian US Immigration Reporter Maanvisicin say Hannah Moore Abrego Garcia finds himself trapped in an infamous prison created for violent gang members. “Your family and loved ones are inside,” explains Maanvi, “They’re going forever.” Abrego Garcia’s wife and family have launched legal action in the United States. Only immigration officials admitted that his deportation was a administrative error.
The Trump administration says there’s nothing it can do to bring him back, but the Salvador president says he’s in prison. The Supreme Court has now stepped in, but will either side hear?
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