ICE officials admitted in a court filing that Abrego Garcia was deported due to an administrative error, but details on the exact nature of the error have not been fully disclosed.

Garcia's family describes him as a loving parent and a man who fled political violence, while the Trump administration alleges he is affiliated with the MS-13 gang and has a violent history, accusations which his attorneys deny.

Senator Van Hollen visited Garcia in El Salvador, called attention to Garcia's fears and trauma while imprisoned, criticized President Bukele for political theatrics, and is actively advocating for Garcia’s return to the U.S.

An immigration judge granted Abrego Garcia withholding of removal in 2019 due to fears of persecution, which legally barred his deportation to El Salvador at that time.

The Trump administration has acknowledged the deportation was an error but maintains Garcia's alleged gang affiliation makes him ineligible for return, while the Supreme Court has urged the administration to facilitate his return.