Lawyers Allege Torture of Deported Kilmar Abrego Garcia in El Salvador Prison

Kilmar Abrego Garcia, mistakenly deported to El Salvador under President Donald Trump's administration, has alleged severe physical and psychological torture during his imprisonment at the maximum-security Center for Terrorism Confinement (CECOT). Court filings and reports describe that upon arrival, Abrego Garcia was beaten, kicked, subjected to sleep deprivation, and confined in overcrowded, windowless cells with constant bright lighting and minimal sanitation. Despite a U.S. Supreme Court order for his return, the Trump administration initially resisted repatriating him, only bringing him back after indicting him on human smuggling charges, which his attorneys argue are unfounded and a means to justify his deportation. His legal team has sought to amend a civil lawsuit to include these allegations of mistreatment, while the Justice Department contends the case is moot due to his return. The case highlights broader concerns about the aggressive and sometimes illegal deportation policies under the Trump administration that have resulted in dangerous conditions for deportees and legal battles over their rights and treatment. Abrego Garcia remains detained in Tennessee, with his attorneys fearing potential re-deportation despite a judge ruling he is eligible for release under conditions.