Weaponizing Deportation: The Case of Kilmar Ábrego

Since the beginning of the year, the Donald Trump administration has targeted Kilmar Ábrego García, a Salvadoran migrant who came to the United States 15 years ago, escaping gang violence.

In March, he was arrested and sent to the Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT) in El Salvador. His case, which failed to adhere to the constitutional right to due process, sparked enormous outrage in the United States and even drew a visit from a Democratic senator.

In early June, after a legal fight over his unjust deportation, Ábrego returned to the United States. Unfortunately, upon arriving in the country, the Department of Justice charged him with the alleged account of smuggling undocumented migrants.

On August 2, a judge ordered his release to continue his trial in freedom. Abrego was finally able to return to his family.

Three days later, Kilmar Ábrego showed up for his immigration appointment and was detained again by ICE agents. In a statement, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem announced that his deportation is being processed.

Ábrego could be sent to Uganda after refusing to sign a plea deal with prosecutors accusing him of migrant smuggling, who offered to deport him to Costa Rica if he pleaded guilty.

Kilmar’s case is emblematic because it reflects the Trump administration’s hatred of migrants. His figure has become a symbol for communities threatened by ICE.

His arbitrary detention reflects the authoritarian impulse of the United States government, which is willing to break the law to terrorize migrants.