Kilmar Abrego Garcia alleges torture during imprisonment in El Salvador

Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran national, was wrongfully deported to El Salvador in March 2025 under controversial circumstances after a U.S. judge prohibited his deportation due to risks of persecution by gangs. Following his deportation, he was sent to the notorious Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT), where he claims to have endured severe mistreatment, including beatings, psychological torture, and inadequate nutrition. His lawyers have filed an amended complaint in Maryland federal court outlining these abuses. Abrego Garcia reported extreme conditions, including sleeping on metal bunks without mattresses in overcrowded, windowless cells. He lost significant weight during his time at the prison and faced ongoing threats from guards who implied he would be moved to areas populated by gang members. After public and judicial pressure, he was returned to the U.S. in early June 2025 to face federal charges related to human smuggling. He has pleaded not guilty and remains concerned about potential deportation to a third country. His legal team continues to fight for his protection and the pursuit of justice regarding his wrongful deportation and treatment in El Salvador.