Deported Migrant Faces US Smuggling Charges

Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran migrant mistakenly deported from the U.S. despite a judge's order, was returned to face federal charges of human smuggling and conspiracy to transport undocumented immigrants. Federal indictments allege Garcia ran a smuggling ring that transported thousands, including alleged MS-13 members, and trafficked drugs and firearms, though Garcia denies gang ties and has never been convicted of any crime in the U.S. or El Salvador. The DOJ states that, if convicted, he will serve his sentence in the U.S. before being returned to El Salvador. The Trump administration’s deportation of Garcia drew criticism as a violation of judicial authority and due process. Officials argue Garcia remains a security threat, while critics cite his case as evidence of executive overreach. The case continues to fuel debate over immigration enforcement and the limits of executive power.