The Supreme Court has instructed the Trump administration to assist in facilitating the release of Kilmar Abrego Garcia from custody in El Salvador, following his illegal deportation. Despite this directive, the administration has not taken steps to request Abrego Garcia’s return. The case may return to the Supreme Court after an appeals court ruled that the administration cannot simply do nothing in this matter.

The saga began in 2019 when an immigration judge deemed Abrego Garcia unsafe to deport to El Salvador due to potential gang violence. Nevertheless, Trump officials proceeded with his deportation in March 2025. The Supreme Court later emphasized the need to facilitate Abrego Garcia’s release from El Salvador and return to the U.S.

Amidst conflicting interpretations, the administration argues it does not need to seek Abrego Garcia’s return from El Salvador, shifting the responsibility to the Salvadoran government. Critics view this stance as a defiance of the Supreme Court’s order. Legal experts suggest that the ambiguity in the Court’s ruling has contributed to the current impasse.

As the situation unfolds, legal battles continue with pressure mounting for diplomatic efforts to bring Abrego Garcia back to the U.S. The administration’s next move may involve a return to the Supreme Court. The unresolved nature of the case raises questions about the need for a clearer judicial directive to resolve the matter effectively.