Trump Administration Seeks Repeated Deportation of MS-13 Member Kilmar Abrego Garcia

Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran native and alleged MS-13 gang member, is at the center of a contentious immigration battle under President Donald Trump's administration. After being wrongfully deported to El Salvador in March 2025, where he was imprisoned and reportedly tortured, Abrego Garcia was returned to the U.S. to face human smuggling charges, which he denies. He has filed a motion to reopen his 2019 immigration case to apply for asylum again, a move that could lead to a green card and citizenship, but also risks deportation. The Trump administration opposes his asylum claim, arguing he is ineligible due to his alleged gang ties, and has stated it will pursue his removal to El Salvador if his case is reopened. There have been conflicting reports about plans to deport him to African countries like Uganda or Eswatini, but official filings emphasize El Salvador as the primary destination for removal. Abrego Garcia remains detained in Virginia as legal proceedings continue, with his attorneys contesting the administration's allegations and deportation efforts.