The RecordExhibit 12
Deported by 'error,' then prosecuted after he won in court
Ruled unlawful means: A court ruled against it. Some rulings are on appeal.
Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland father protected by an immigration judge's order, was deported to El Salvador's CECOT prison anyway.
What happened
The Supreme Court ordered the government to facilitate his return. Months later he came back, but to face human-smuggling charges from a 2022 traffic stop that investigators had closed. A senior prosecutor who recommended against charging him resigned.
Where it stands
In May 2026 Judge Waverly Crenshaw threw the case out as vindictive, finding the government reopened it only after Abrego won in court. DOJ says it will appeal.
The administration's side
Officials call him an MS-13 member, which he denies; he was never charged with that. DOJ called the dismissal wrong and dangerous.
Sources
Permanent link: https://unredactedrecord.com/e/abrego/