U.S. Immigration Policy • Withholding of Removal
In a deeply concerning development, a Maryland resident with legal protection from deportation was mistakenly removed from the U.S. by immigration authorities.
Kilmar Armando Abrego-Garcia, who was granted “withholding of removal” in 2019 due to a credible fear of persecution in El Salvador, was deported on March 15, 2025, despite being lawfully allowed to remain in the U.S. He lived in Maryland with his U.S. citizen wife and their five-year-old child.
According to public records, he is currently being held at CECOT, a high-security detention facility in El Salvador, known for its harsh conditions.
This case has raised serious concerns about administrative failures in the immigration system. While ICE has acknowledged the error, the U.S. government has claimed that federal courts lack jurisdiction to order his return.
At BenEzra & Katz, we urge anyone with protected status or pending removal relief to consult an immigration attorney immediately. Mistakes like this demonstrate how vital it is to stay informed, properly documented, and legally represented.
Read the original article here:
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/01/ice-error-deported-maryland-man-el-salvador