Former President Donald Trump has distanced himself from the decision to bring back Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland father who was mistakenly deported to El Salvador earlier this year. In an interview with NBC News, Trump clarified that the move was made solely by the Justice Department, not by him personally, adding that it should be an “easy case.”
Trump’s Denial and the DOJ’s Role
In a phone interview with NBC’s Kristen Welker, Trump insisted that he did not personally intervene in the return of Abrego Garcia to the U.S. He emphasized that the Department of Justice (DOJ) made the decision after “new facts” surfaced.
Abrego Garcia, a 29-year-old native of El Salvador, had been deported in March despite being a legally protected resident of Maryland. His deportation was carried out without due process, sparking significant controversy and legal challenges.
“They decided to do it that way, and that’s fine,” Trump said, referring to the DOJ’s involvement in the matter. He also noted that he did not have any discussions with Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele regarding the return of Abrego Garcia.
The Legal Backdrop of Abrego Garcia’s Case
Abrego Garcia was transported back to the U.S. on Friday after months of the Trump administration claiming that they couldn’t bring him back. His attorneys argued that Homeland Security and DOJ officials had disregarded the orders of a federal judge and the U.S. Supreme Court by withholding information about efforts to facilitate his return.
Abrego Garcia had been deported to a notorious prison in El Salvador without his legal due process rights being observed, drawing accusations of defiance against the legal system. In May, a federal grand jury in Tennessee indicted him on charges related to transporting undocumented migrants into the U.S. between 2016 and 2025. According to the indictment, Abrego Garcia and his alleged co-conspirators helped thousands of undocumented individuals, many with alleged ties to MS-13, enter the U.S.
Trump’s Criticism of Abrego Garcia’s Defenders
Trump used his interview to attack those who have defended Abrego Garcia, particularly Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.). Van Hollen visited El Salvador to check on Abrego Garcia after the man’s family expressed concerns about his safety following the deportation. Trump called the senator a “loser” and accused him of defending a man with a “horrible record of abuse,” specifically pointing to domestic violence accusations against Abrego Garcia.
The allegations of abuse stem from a civil protective order filed by Abrego Garcia’s wife, Jennifer Vasquez Sura, in 2017 after an alleged domestic dispute. Sura came forward in April, explaining that she had acted out of caution following a disagreement with her husband.
The Charges Against Abrego Garcia
The charges against Abrego Garcia are related not only to the illegal transport of migrants but also to the illegal movement of firearms. Authorities claim that Abrego Garcia was involved in moving illegal firearms from Texas to Maryland, where they were allegedly resold.
The DOJ’s indictment also highlighted his connection to MS-13, which the Trump administration had used to frame the case for months. However, evidence of these ties was not presented in court until the Tennessee indictment was filed, and it is still being contested by Abrego Garcia’s legal team.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi defended the actions against Abrego Garcia, stating that the charges were based on “new facts” that emerged after his deportation. She added that upon completing his sentence, Abrego Garcia would likely be sent back to El Salvador.
The legal and political tensions surrounding Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s deportation and return highlight a complex and contentious issue. As the case continues to unfold, questions remain about due process, the role of the Justice Department, and the political ramifications for those involved.
The Trump administration’s focus on immigration enforcement has sparked significant debate, and Abrego Garcia’s case is likely to remain a focal point for discussions on immigration policy and the rights of undocumented individuals in the U.S.
