Surprising revelation during a recent Oval Office interview, former President Donald Trump stated that he could arrange for Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran man mistakenly deported last month, to return to the U.S. — but made it clear that he has no intention of doing so.
While speaking with ABC News’ Terry Moran, Trump was asked whether he could use his presidential power to have Garcia, who had been living in Maryland under a protective order, sent back from El Salvador, where he is currently held in one of the country’s most notorious prisons. Trump responded, “I could,” acknowledging his ability to intervene. However, when pressed further about calling El Salvador’s president directly, Trump shot back, “And if he were the gentleman that you say he is, I would do that. But he’s not.”
The deportation of Abrego Garcia was confirmed to be an “administrative error” by the Trump administration, but the White House has refused to comply with a Supreme Court order to facilitate his return. Trump took the opportunity to accuse Garcia of being tied to gang activities, further distancing himself from the case. He also criticized the Justice Department lawyer who referred to the deportation mistake, claiming the individual, who had been in office long before his administration, should not have made such a statement. The lawyer has since been suspended.
Despite acknowledging the mistake, Trump’s administration has insisted that it is now up to El Salvador and its president, Nayib Bukele, to decide whether to send Abrego Garcia back to the U.S. The controversy has sparked outrage among Democratic lawmakers, who have voiced strong criticism of the administration’s handling of immigration issues. Some have even traveled to El Salvador to meet with Garcia, emphasizing the ongoing political struggle over the matter.
Due Process, not dictator decision.