Maryland Man Who Was Wrongly Deported to El Salvador Faces Dire Conditions in Prison**

Kilmar Ábrego García, a Maryland man wrongly deported to El Salvador, is currently held in a new prison amid claims of mistreatment. Senator Van Hollen is advocating for his return to the U.S., while the Trump administration continues to dispute his identity and alleged gang affiliations.**

A Maryland man mistakenly deported to El Salvador is currently housed in a new prison after being transferred from a high-security facility, according to U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen. Kilmar Ábrego García was sent to the infamous Cecot mega-jail where he endured trauma and fear from fellow inmates, prompting his relocation to another prison in Santa Ana, El Salvador, over a week ago.

Senator Van Hollen, who recently returned from visiting Ábrego in El Salvador, shared that his meeting marked the first time Ábrego had talked to anyone outside prison since his deportation. Describing Ábrego's state of mind, Van Hollen remarked, “He felt very sad about being in a prison because he had not committed any crimes.” Despite the transfer, Van Hollen reported that Ábrego still lacks access to news and communication with the outside world.

The situation involves ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and the U.S. judicial system concerning immigration policies. Previous court rulings, including a unanimous decision by the Supreme Court, mandated that the government facilitate Ábrego’s return; however, White House officials, including press secretary Karoline Leavitt, have firmly claimed that he will “never” return to the U.S. The administration, asserting that Ábrego is connected with the Salvadoran gang MS-13, has raised significant controversy, particularly as he has never been convicted of any crime.

While Van Hollen faced initial hurdles meeting Ábrego due to Salvadoran government restrictions, he later received assistance to arrange the visit. He criticized the Trump administration's claims as misleading, emphasizing that any allegations should only be addressed in a legal context.

Controversy also swirls around past allegations against Ábrego, including nuances in his marital relationship and unproven claims of human trafficking. Currently, he remains a focal point in a broader debate about deportation policies that intertwine national security and human rights, igniting discussions as the legal fight over similar cases continues.