By Bianca Machain, April 29, 2025
President Donald Trump’s administration wrongfully deported Kilmar Abrego Garcia to El Salvador March 15, and he has remained in the notorious Salvadorian mega-prison ever since.
Garcia was born in El Salvador and had been living in Maryland since 2011. An immigration court had granted him protection from deportation in 2019, due to fears of gang violence if he were forced to return to El Salvador. Despite the ruling, Garcia remains detained in El Salvador, raising concerns about the legality of the situation.
United States District Judge Paula Xinis, ruled April 4 that the government must return Garcia back to the U.S. by April 7, citing the legality of the situation has made it an urgent matter. The Supreme Court ruled that the government must facilitate Garcia’s return and handle his case as if deportation had never occurred April 10. Xinis ordered officials to provide proof that showed efforts were being made to bring Garcia home.
After the Trump administration failed to comply, further legal action was taken, the case had escalated to the Supreme Court. A federal judge had paused Xinis’ demand for information April 23, without citing reasoning.
President Donald Trump met with President Nayib Bukele of El Salvador April 14. At the bilateral meeting in the Oval Office, it was made clear that Garcia will not be returned to the U.S. despite the official ruling.
“I hope you’re not suggesting that I smuggle a terrorist into the United States,” said Bukele. “Of course I’m not going to do it. The question is preposterous.”
Trump doubled down on Bukele’s statement and explained that it is up to El Salvador if they want to return Garcia, and that it is no longer up to the U.S. Trump’s administration claimed that Garcia was affiliated with the MS-13 gang, making him ineligible to return. Garcia’s wife and attorney have denied this claim.
The treatment of prisoners in Centro de Confinamiento del Terrorismo prison has been brought up by activists. Prisoners have been denied communication with their relatives, lawyers and have only been present in online hearings. Human rights groups have been denied entry to the prison despite these organizations reaching out. According to a 2023 report by Cristosal, 261 people have died in the prison; there are cases of abuse, torture and lack of medical attention.
The legality of Garcia’s situation has continuously raised concerns, especially among U.S. citizens who hold Visas or dual citizenship.
“We have to continue fighting for what we believe in, fighting to get this man and all these people back who are being taken from their homes,” said Uma Armien Funk, a gender ethnicity and multicultural student, and a dual citizen of Panama and the U.S.
Uma commented that fears about their immigration statuses and families are coming true, and seeing situations like Garcia’s further exacerbates their fears. With over a thousand international students, Cal Poly Pomona is home to many students who are experiencing the effects of the Trump administration’s policies. Kiara Contrera, a sociology student, said revocation of student visas worry her.
“It’s disappointing to see how much silence there is on campus,” Contreras said. “We need to rely on each other.”
People are calling for more universities to push against Trump’s administration policies that are responsible for revocation of student visas. At CPP, several students have lost their Student Visas and one student has been deported.
With these newfound challenges that have been occurring on college campuses, students are asking for commentary and support around these issues.
“They need to protect their students because it’s their duty and it’s our duty as human beings,” said Funk.
While Garcia has not returned home, he is supported by many in the United States. The story continues being developed, here are citizens calling for action. Whether it be through protests or administrative changes, people are rallying behind the return of Garcia.
Feature graphic by Connor Lālea Hampton
