President Bukele reaffirms zero-tolerance policy on terrorism and gangs as U.S.–El Salvador cooperation strengthens.
The United States Department of Justice has confirmed that Kilmar Abrego García, a Salvadoran national, has been returned to U.S. territory to face multiple federal charges, including migrant smuggling, money laundering, and alleged association with MS-13, a designated transnational criminal organization.
According to the Middle District of Tennessee, Abrego García is accused of participating in a criminal conspiracy to transport undocumented migrants from Texas into the U.S. interior, while laundering money and collecting illegal payments. Prosecutors also state he used his connections to support MS-13 operations in the region.
The return of Abrego García comes after his erroneous deportation from Maryland to El Salvador in March, a mistake later acknowledged by the Trump administration. Judicial sources confirmed that a 2019 U.S. court order had prohibited his deportation due to threats from gang violence in his home country.
In a statement from the Oval Office, President Nayib Bukele of El Salvador addressed the issue directly, emphasizing his government’s strong stance on public security:
“As I said in the Oval Office:
- I would never smuggle a terrorist into the United States.
- I would never release a gang member onto the streets of El Salvador,”
Bukele posted via X.
“That said, we work with the Trump administration, and if they request the return of a gang member to face charges, of course we wouldn’t refuse. No more margaritas under custody 😔”
The Salvadoran president’s remarks signal clear alignment with U.S. policy and ongoing collaboration with federal authorities. According to Attorney General Pam Bondi, Abrego García “has landed in the United States to face justice,” and will be prosecuted for all charges under U.S. law.
The Salvadoran man, who was living with his wife and children in Maryland, was deported alongside gang-affiliated individuals and a Venezuelan national, and held at CECOT, El Salvador’s top-tier criminal detention center. His case drew legal attention from human rights organizations, though Salvadoran officials clarified that only a U.S. request could allow for lawful repatriation under anti-trafficking agreements.
U.S. and Salvadoran authorities emphasized that Abrego García’s trial represents a key milestone in binational efforts to combat organized crime, reinforce judicial sovereignty, and strengthen regional border security.