Trump Believes Government Has Strong Case Against Kilmar Abrego Garcia, Calls it “Very Easy

President Donald Trump stated on Saturday that the decision to return Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland man wrongfully deported to El Salvador, was made by the Department of Justice. Trump emphasized that he did not make this choice, referring to it as their determination, and expressed confidence that it would be an uncomplicated case for federal prosecutors. During a phone interview with NBC News, Trump noted that he had not spoken to Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele regarding Abrego Garcia’s return, although they had discussed the matter in an earlier meeting at the Oval Office.

Abrego Garcia was charged after arriving back in the U.S. on Friday; the indictment alleges he was involved in transporting individuals illegally present in the country. Abrego Garcia’s case has been contentious, involving a lengthy legal struggle that reached the Supreme Court. While his family and legal representatives describe him as a family man, the Trump administration has accused him of being affiliated with the gang MS-13.

His situation generated significant attention amidst the broader efforts for mass deportations during Trump’s presidency. Following the wrongful deportation, administration lawyers admitted it occurred due to an administrative error, as Abrego Garcia previously had legal protections against deportation. Democrats, including Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, argued that Abrego Garcia had been denied due process, asserting he should have been able to contest his deportation before being sent back to El Salvador.

In response, Trump labeled Van Hollen a “loser” for advocating for Abrego Garcia’s rights. Attorney General Pam Bondi claimed that Abrego Garcia had engaged in serious criminal activities, alleging he was involved in human smuggling across the country, while Abrego Garcia’s lawyer challenged this characterization as an abuse of power.