Trump Administration Defies Supreme Court Order to Return Migrant
WASHINGTON: El Salvador President Nayib Bukele’s comments at the White House on Monday sparked controversy as he stated that he had no plans to return a man mistakenly deported from the United States, suggesting that doing so would be like smuggling a terrorist into the country.
Background
Abrego Garcia’s case has drawn attention as the Trump administration has deported hundreds of people to El Salvador with help from Bukele, whose country is receiving $6 million to house the migrants in a high-security mega-prison. The U.S. government has described his deportation as an administrative error. However, in court filings and at the White House on Monday, the administration indicated it does not plan to ask for Abrego Garcia back, raising questions about whether it is defying the courts.
Administration’s Stance
In a Monday court filing, a U.S. Department of Homeland Security official said the agency "does not have authority to forcibly extract an alien from the domestic custody of a foreign sovereign nation." Bukele told reporters he did not have the power to return Abrego Garcia to the U.S. "The question is preposterous. How can I smuggle a terrorist into the United States?" Bukele said, echoing the Trump administration’s claim that Abrego Garcia is a member of the MS-13 gang.
Legal Experts’ Concerns
Abrego Garcia’s lawyers have denied the allegation he is a gang member, saying the U.S. has presented no credible evidence. The U.S. sent Abrego Garcia to El Salvador on March 15. Trump called reporters asking whether the administration would follow the order for his return "sick people." "The foreign policy of the United States is conducted by the president of the United States, not by a court," Secretary of State Marco Rubio said during the Oval Office meeting.
MEGA-PRISON
Trump said he would send as many people living in the U.S. illegally to El Salvador as possible and help Bukele build new prisons. The U.S. on Saturday deported 10 more people to El Salvador it alleges are gang members. The migrants El Salvador accepts from the U.S. are housed in a facility known as the Terrorism Confinement Center. Critics say the prison engages in human rights abuses and that Bukele’s crackdown on gangs has swept up many innocent people without due process.
Tuesday Hearing
A hearing is scheduled for Tuesday. Legal experts said Judge Paula Xinis may press the Trump administration to determine if it signaled to Bukele that he should refuse to release Abrego Garcia, which could amount to defiance of the court order’s language to "facilitate" his return. While the Supreme Court in its decision ordered Xinis to clarify her order "with due regard for the deference owed to the executive branch in the conduct of foreign affairs," some legal experts said Trump is likely defying the court by undermining Abrego Garcia’s release.
Conclusion
The Trump administration’s stance on Abrego Garcia’s return has sparked controversy and raised questions about whether it is defying the courts. The case highlights the complexities of international relations and the delicate balance between national security and human rights. As the hearing approaches, it remains to be seen whether the administration will comply with the court’s order or continue to resist its directives.
FAQs
Q: Why was Abrego Garcia deported to El Salvador?
A: Abrego Garcia was deported to El Salvador due to an administrative error.
Q: What is the Trump administration’s stance on Abrego Garcia’s return?
A: The Trump administration does not plan to ask for Abrego Garcia back, citing lack of authority to forcibly extract him from El Salvador.
Q: What is the Terrorism Confinement Center?
A: The Terrorism Confinement Center is a facility in El Salvador where migrants deported from the U.S. are housed.
Q: Why are critics concerned about the prison’s conditions?
A: Critics say the prison engages in human rights abuses and that Bukele’s crackdown on gangs has swept up many innocent people without due process.