President Donald Trump avoided directly addressing the issue of bringing Abrego Garcia back to the U.S. for a court appearance when questioned in the Oval Office. He deferred to legal authorities, stating that the truth would need to be determined by lawyers and the Department of Justice. Defending his immigration stance, Trump emphasized his commitment to expelling migrants with violent criminal backgrounds to maintain national security. He asserted his belief in the presidential authority to make such decisions, questioning the role of judges in challenging this power.

U.S. officials allege that Abrego Garcia is linked to the MS-13 gang, designated as a foreign terrorist organization, based on evidence from a confidential informant and his attire during a police encounter in 2019. However, U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis expressed skepticism about the strength of this evidence in the case. Despite continued inquiries on Abrego Garcia’s rights and potential facilitation of his return from El Salvador, Trump reiterated his reliance on legal counsel for guidance and compliance with their directives during a subsequent signing of executive orders in the Oval Office on April 17. The situation highlights the complexities and legal nuances surrounding immigration policies and individual rights within the U.S. judicial system.