“Kilmar Abrego Garcia, deported in error and the subject of a major legal standoff, has been returned to the U.S. to face federal human smuggling charges, reigniting political and legal battles.”
WASHINGTON — Kilmar Abrego Garcia, whose wrongful deportation to El Salvador ignited legal battles and criticism of the Trump administration’s immigration tactics, was returned to the U.S. Friday to face federal human smuggling charges.
Federal officials allege Abrego Garcia played a key role in transporting undocumented immigrants — including MS-13 members and minors — into the U.S. since 2016. “This is what American justice looks like,” said Attorney General Pam Bondi as she announced the unsealing of the indictment in Tennessee.
Abrego Garcia’s attorneys strongly rejected the accusations. “There’s no way a jury is going to see the evidence and agree that this sheet metal worker is the leader of an international MS-13 smuggling conspiracy,” said lawyer Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg.
The indictment follows a months-long court fight, culminating in a Supreme Court directive to facilitate his return after a judge had blocked his deportation over fears of gang retaliation in El Salvador.
Despite being previously released without charges during a 2022 vehicle stop, prosecutors now allege he abused migrants and was linked to a gang-related murder — though that claim is not formally charged.
His arraignment is scheduled for next week. Advocates say the family is “relieved but heartbroken” by the conditions of his return.