San Salvador, El Salvador – El Salvador President Nayib Bukele stood firm today during a meeting with President Donald Trump, asserting that he would not adhere to the Justice Department’s request to return a man said to have been mistakenly deported back to his country. Bukele unequivocally stated that returning the man, Kilmar Abrego Garcia, to the United States was out of the question, dismissing the notion as absurd.

Sitting alongside President Trump in the Oval Office, Bukele emphasized, “We’re not very fond of releasing terrorists,” in response to inquiries about Garcia’s status. Trump supported Bukele’s stance, criticizing the idea of allowing criminals back into the country and urging El Salvador to take in as many offenders as possible.

Despite Garcia not facing criminal charges in either the U.S. or El Salvador, the Justice Department’s error in deporting him has sparked controversy. A 2019 order from an immigration judge explicitly prohibited Garcia’s deportation to El Salvador, leading to a legal conflict over his return.

During the tense meeting, Secretary of State Marco Rubio underscored the administration’s authority over foreign policy decisions, dismissing the court’s interference in matters of diplomacy. Attorney General Pam Bondi hinted at the possibility of facilitating Garcia’s return if El Salvador so chooses, emphasizing that the decision ultimately lies with the Central American nation.

The Trump administration’s $6 million accord with El Salvador to incarcerate alleged gang members further complicates Garcia’s situation. Labeling gangs like MS-13 and Tren de Aragua as foreign terrorist organizations, the U.S. government targeted individuals like Garcia for deportation.

After a federal judge found Garcia affiliated with MS-13 in 2019, challenges arose over the legitimacy of the allegations against him. The judge criticized the unsubstantiated claims and questioned the basis for his gang membership accusations.

The Supreme Court’s intervention in Garcia’s case shed light on the administration’s mishandling of the situation, acknowledging the illegal removal of Garcia due to an administrative error. Despite conflicting opinions within the government, the focus remains on resolving Garcia’s status and addressing the missteps that led to his wrongful deportation.