Maryland Man Mistakenly Deported Returns to U.S. to Face Fed Charges
In a story that reads like something straight out of a political drama, Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the Maryland man who was mistakenly deported to El Salvador in March, has officially been brought back to the United States, but not to correct an error. Instead, he’s facing federal criminal charges.
For months, this case has sparked outrage and deep legal tension between the courts and the Trump administration. A federal judge even warned that the standoff could erupt into an “incipient crisis” between the executive and judicial branches.
Abrego Garcia, who has long denied any involvement with gangs, including MS-13, has now been indicted on two counts in Tennessee:
- Conspiracy to unlawfully transport undocumented immigrants for financial gain
- Unlawful transportation of undocumented immigrants for financial gain
According to the unsealed indictment, prosecutors claim Abrego Garcia and his associates were involved in a scheme that allegedly transported thousands of undocumented individuals—many of whom were said to be affiliated with MS-13.
But here’s the twist: Abrego Garcia and his family say he fled El Salvador to escape that exact gang violence. Despite being forcibly sent back to the country he fled from (in violation of a federal court order) he has now been returned to the U.S. not for justice, but to face criminal prosecution.
How it Happened: The Release & More
Attorney General Pam Bondi and the State Department reportedly signed off on his return. Sources told CNN that the decision was finalized within the past few days. President Donald Trump praised Bondi and the DOJ, telling reporters aboard Air Force One:
“He should have never had to be returned… Take a look at what they found in the grand jury. I thought Pam Bondi did a great job.”
The case has already caused internal friction. The chief of the DOJ’s criminal division in Nashville resigned, reportedly over the decision to pursue criminal charges instead of allowing Abrego Garcia to make his case in immigration court.
His attorney, Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg, issued a fiery statement, accusing the government of gaming the system:
“The government disappeared Kilmar to a foreign prison in violation of a court order… This shows that they were playing games with the court all along.”
He continued:
“Due process means the chance to defend yourself before you’re punished—not after. This is an abuse of power, not justice.”
This story continues to unfold, and for now, Abrego Garcia sits in the middle of a legal and political storm, one that raises serious questions about immigration policy, due process, and the very soul of American justice.
