Trump Administration Asserts No Requirement to Facilitate Return of Wrongfully Deported MS-13 Suspect

The Trump administration is asserting that it is not obligated to cooperate with El Salvador to return Kilmar Abrego Garcia, an alleged MS-13 member mistakenly deported to the country, despite a Supreme Court ruling instructing the administration to 'facilitate' his return. DOJ lawyers argue that the federal courts lack authority to dictate foreign relations, emphasizing that the administration's responsibility is limited to removing domestic obstacles. Homeland Security Advisor Stephen Miller described the notion of extraditing Garcia against El Salvador's will as tantamount to 'kidnapping.' While the Supreme Court upheld a lower court's decision for the U.S. to facilitate Garcia's return, it did not impose a specific timeline or mandate for action. The administration maintains that it will not block Garcia's return but is not required to engage directly with El Salvador on the matter. The situation highlights ongoing tensions between the executive branch and the judiciary regarding immigration powers and foreign relations.