Maryland Man Mistakenly Deported to El Salvador Returns to U.S., Faces Federal Charges

A Maryland man who was mistakenly deported to El Salvador earlier this year has been returned to the United States and is now facing federal criminal charges, officials confirmed Thursday.

Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran national who had been living in the U.S. for over a decade, was deported in March 2025 due to what immigration authorities now acknowledge was an administrative error. Upon his return, Abrego Garcia was immediately taken into federal custody.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office has indicted Abrego Garcia on two criminal counts related to the transportation of undocumented migrants within the United States. According to court documents, the individuals he allegedly transported included known or suspected members of the violent street gang MS-13.

Federal Indictment

The indictment alleges that Abrego Garcia operated a small network facilitating the movement of undocumented migrants between states without proper authorization. Prosecutors say that although there is no direct evidence Garcia was affiliated with MS-13, some of the individuals he transported had confirmed gang ties.

“This case reflects the complexities of immigration enforcement and criminal prosecution in cross-border matters,” said U.S. Attorney Linda Frazer. “Mr. Abrego Garcia will be held accountable under the law, but we also acknowledge the procedural failures that led to his mistaken deportation.”

Mistaken Deportation and Return

Garcia was deported to El Salvador in March despite ongoing legal proceedings in the U.S. His attorneys claim he had no prior criminal record and was actively complying with federal immigration requirements.

“It was a catastrophic error,” said Manuel Herrera, Garcia’s lawyer. “The government violated his rights and sent him into danger without due process.”

Following pressure from legal advocates and members of Congress, Garcia was returned to the U.S. in late May aboard a charter flight arranged by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Next Steps

Abrego Garcia is scheduled for arraignment in federal court on June 13. If convicted, he could face several years in federal prison. Authorities confirmed that after completing his sentence, he will be formally deported back to El Salvador.

The case has drawn national attention and renewed calls for oversight of immigration enforcement procedures, especially in cases involving potential criminal prosecution.