Post Reports: The Mistaken Deportation of Kilmar Abrego García

Episode Release Date: April 15, 2025 | Hosts: Martine Powers and Elahe Izadi

Introduction

In this compelling episode of Post Reports, hosted by Colby Ekowitz, The Washington Post delves into the harrowing case of Kilmar Abrego García—a Salvadoran immigrant mistakenly deported from the United States to El Salvador. This incident not only underscores significant flaws within the U.S. immigration system but also highlights the complex interplay between U.S. immigration policies and international relations, particularly with El Salvador.

U.S.-El Salvador Relations and Immigration Policy

The episode opens with an account of a notable meeting between former President Donald Trump and El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele. In a display of mutual admiration, Trump states at [00:07] “I want to just say hello to the people of El Salvador and say they have one hell of a president,” referring to Bukele, who proudly calls himself “the world's coolest dictator” ([00:13]).

This alliance is crucial as the U.S. allocates millions to El Salvador for detaining deportees in the country’s notorious megaprison. Trump commended Bukele’s efforts: “He’s done a fantastic job, Mr. President” ([00:31]). The collaboration aims to curb the flow of undocumented migrants from El Salvador to the U.S., leveraging El Salvador’s strict detention policies as part of the broader immigration strategy.

The Case of Kilmar Abrego García

Who Is Kilmar Abrego García?

Kilmar Abrego García, a sheet metal apprentice from Maryland, embodies the human cost of immigration policy failures. At [03:28], Maria Sacchetti, an immigration reporter, details Kilmar’s background: “He’s married. He’s the father of a five-year-old boy who has autism and is non-verbal. He’s helping his wife, who’s a U.S. citizen, raise her two other children.”

Originally from El Salvador, Kilmar fled at age 16 to escape gang extortion and recruitment efforts by groups like Barrio Di Siocho ([03:46]). He lived in the U.S. legally for several years, contributing to his community and supporting his family.

The Deportation Error

Despite his clean record, Kilmar was erroneously deported in March, as Sacchetti explains: “He was detained for deportation and put on a flight to El Salvador on March 15” ([07:44]). This deportation occurred despite a 2019 immigration court decision that granted him withholding of removal—a protection that prevented his deportation due to the risk of persecution or death in El Salvador ([07:03]).

Legal Battle and Court Proceedings

The wrongful deportation ignited a significant legal battle:

1. Initial Deportation and Judicial Findings: In 2019, an immigration judge in Maryland granted Kilmar withholding of removal after determining that returning him to El Salvador would endanger his life ([07:03]). However, in March, Kilmar was deported without due process, leading to immediate legal repercussions.

2. DOJ Admission and Judicial Orders: Sacchetti reveals that an ICE officer admitted the deportation was a mistake, acknowledging it as an administrative error ([08:21]). On April 4th, a U.S. District Judge ordered Kilmar’s return, a decision swiftly appealed by the Trump administration. The appellate court criticized the government’s handling, stating, “literally said the government screwed up” ([11:59]).

3. Supreme Court Involvement: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld the lower court’s order, affirming that Kilmar was subject to due process rights and labeling the deportation illegal ([12:48]). Despite this, the Trump administration contends that foreign policy complexities with El Salvador render compliance challenging ([14:37]).

Sacchetti emphasizes the precarious situation: “It’s not just a question of legality, it’s a question of will” ([15:29]). The administration’s stance threatens to undermine judicial authority, potentially leading to a constitutional crisis if the executive branch defies the Supreme Court’s mandate.

The Trump-Bukele Alliance and Its Implications

The episode shifts focus to the broader implications of the Trump-Bukele relationship on immigration policy. Trump’s praise for El Salvador’s megaprison system is evident when he remarks: “I just asked the president... Can you build some more of them, please?” ([15:54]). Additionally, Trump controversially suggests expanding deportations to include “homegrown criminals” ([16:06]).

Sacchetti critiques this alliance, highlighting the risks it poses: “He’s in a jail where there are allegedly gang members who a judge specifically found pose a threat to his life” ([20:02]). The partnership allows the U.S. to deport individuals to a country with a history of human rights abuses under Bukele’s regime, effectively sidestepping the U.S. legal protections afforded to immigrants like Kilmar.

Current Status and Humanitarian Concerns

As of the episode’s airing, Kilmar remains detained in El Salvador’s megaprison—a facility notorious for overcrowding, violence, and inadequate conditions. Sacchetti underscores the dire circumstances: “He’s facing confinement, which is really besides execution” ([19:08]). There is a profound fear for his safety, given the high likelihood of encountering violent gang members in a prison environment designed to contain such threats.

Despite legal victories in U.S. courts, the Trump administration’s reluctance to comply with court orders leaves Kilmar’s fate uncertain. Sacchetti warns of the broader implications: “The immigration system is secret... The government has such extraordinary powers” ([26:05]), suggesting a potential slippery slope where wrongful deportations could become routine without accountability.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

The episode concludes with a sobering reflection on the intersection of immigration policy, judicial authority, and international relations. Sacchetti posits that if the Trump administration successfully prevents Kilmar’s repatriation, it could set a dangerous precedent, undermining the rule of law and endangering countless lives ([25:43]).

Post Reports emphasizes the urgent need for judicial reinforcement and policy reevaluation to prevent further injustices. The Kilmar Abrego García case serves as a poignant example of the human consequences of politicized immigration strategies and highlights the critical role of investigative journalism in holding power accountable.

Notable Quotes:

• Donald Trump ([00:31]): “He’s done a fantastic job, Mr. President.”

• Nayib Bukele ([00:20]): “Well, it's an honor to be here in Washington with the president and leader of the real world. We're very happy.”

• Maria Sacchetti ([03:28]): "He’s married. He’s the father of a five-year-old boy who has autism and is non-verbal. He’s helping his wife, who’s a U.S. citizen, raise her two other children."

• Maria Sacchetti ([05:20]): "He failed to show up for court. That's a knock on him, according to the judge."

• Maria Sacchetti ([14:22]): “The Supreme Court says the U.S. acknowledges that he was subject to this court order forbidding his removal to El Salvador and that the removal was therefore illegal.”

• Maria Sacchetti ([16:45]): “I have so many questions about the legality of sending people from a country where they have due process rights. I mean, I can say I've covered immigration a long time. I've never seen anything like this.”

This detailed episode summary encapsulates the critical issues surrounding Kilmar Abrego García’s wrongful deportation, the legal battles ensuing, and the broader implications for U.S. immigration policy. By intertwining firsthand reporting with expert analysis, Post Reports provides a comprehensive understanding of a case that could redefine immigrant rights and executive authority in America.