Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran national residing in Maryland, was wrongfully deported to El Salvador in March 2025, despite a 2019 court order barring his removal to that country due to fears of persecution. The Trump administration claimed he was linked to the MS-13 gang — a charge his family firmly denies. His case has become a flashpoint in the ongoing debate over immigration enforcement, due process, and executive authority.
March 15, 2025
As part of a mass deportation operation, the Trump administration sends planeloads of alleged gang members to El Salvador, including Abrego Garcia, despite a standing legal order protecting him from deportation. He is imprisoned in the country’s infamous CECOT mega-prison.
March 18, 2025
Families of deportees speak out, telling ABC News their relatives had no criminal records in the U.S. An ICE official responds that this “lack of information” highlights the risk they pose.
April 1, 2025
ICE admits in court that Abrego Garcia was deported due to an “administrative error,” but insists he remains under a final order of removal after his protected status was revoked based on a confidential informant’s allegations of gang affiliation.
April 4, 2025
Judge Paula Xinis orders the government to facilitate Abrego Garcia’s return by April 7, calling into question the legal basis for his removal.
April 5–7, 2025
The Justice Department places one of its attorneys on leave over failures in the case. Chief Justice John Roberts issues a temporary stay of Judge Xinis’ order pending further review.
April 10, 2025
The Supreme Court rules unanimously that the government must take steps to secure Abrego Garcia’s release from El Salvador. The ruling stops short of ordering his physical return but emphasizes the need for the case to be treated as if the deportation never happened.
April 11–14, 2025
Judge Xinis demands daily updates from the government. A State Department official confirms Abrego Garcia is alive in prison but offers no plan for his return. During an Oval Office meeting, El Salvador’s President Bukele deflects responsibility.
April 15–17, 2025
Judge Xinis orders expedited discovery and government officials to testify under oath. The Trump administration appeals, but the 4th Circuit denies their request. Senator Chris Van Hollen travels to El Salvador to meet with Abrego Garcia and later shares a photo of the visit.
April 18–21, 2025
Van Hollen confirms Abrego Garcia is no longer at CECOT but remains cut off from communication. Four lawmakers are denied access to visit him. Meanwhile, Trump officials cite the Alien Enemies Act to justify the deportation.
April 22–30, 2025
The Trump administration delays compliance with court discovery orders. In a 100-day interview, Trump suggests he could secure Abrego Garcia’s return but stops short of committing.
May 2–8, 2025
Video from a 2022 traffic stop involving Abrego Garcia surfaces. DOJ speaks with a convict in Alabama about potential ties. The administration invokes the state secrets privilege to block further inquiry.
May 13–16, 2025
Abrego Garcia’s lawyers challenge the state secrets claim. Secretary of State Marco Rubio submits a declaration arguing disclosure would harm national security.
June 6, 2025
Abrego Garcia is returned to the U.S. to face charges of human smuggling. The government cites a new arrest warrant as the basis for his extradition. He appears in court in Tennessee and pleads not guilty days later.
June 9–13, 2025
Federal prosecutors seek to detain him before trial, arguing he’s a flight risk. Meanwhile, his attorneys continue to pursue the Maryland case, calling for sanctions against the government for alleged misconduct.
June 22–26, 2025
Judge Holmes denies pretrial detention but notes ICE may still hold Abrego Garcia under an immigration detainer. His lawyers file an emergency motion to have him returned to Maryland, while the government signals it may deport him again — to a country other than El Salvador.
Where Things Stand:
As of late June 2025, Abrego Garcia remains in custody. His criminal case in Tennessee continues, while his legal team presses ahead in Maryland, accusing the Trump administration of violating court orders and mishandling his deportation. The administration, for its part, has not ruled out deporting him again — this time, potentially to a third country.
