Fact Check: Trump Administration Threatens to Deport Kilmar Abrego Garcia to Third Country
What We Know
Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran national, was mistakenly deported to El Salvador by the Trump administration in March 2025, despite a court order barring his removal due to fears of persecution (NPR). After spending three months in a Salvadoran prison, he was returned to the U.S. to face federal human smuggling charges. Recently, during a court hearing, the Justice Department indicated plans to deport him to a "third country" upon the conclusion of his trial (Reuters).
Abrego Garcia's legal team raised concerns about his potential deportation during a hearing, prompting a federal judge to delay his release. His attorneys cited conflicting statements from the government regarding his status, including the possibility of deportation to a third country (NPR).
Analysis
The claim that the Trump administration plans to deport Kilmar Abrego Garcia to a third country is supported by multiple credible sources. The Justice Department's lawyer confirmed in court that while there were no immediate plans for deportation, the administration intends to remove him to a third country after his trial (New York Times). This statement aligns with reports from other outlets, including CNN and Reuters, which also noted the administration's intention to deport him to a location other than El Salvador (CNN).
The reliability of these sources is high, as they include established news organizations that adhere to journalistic standards. The statements made by government officials in court provide direct evidence of the administration's plans, although the lack of immediate action raises questions about the timeline and execution of these plans.
However, the situation is complicated by the contradictory nature of the government's statements, which have led to confusion and concern among Abrego Garcia's legal team. They have argued that the government's inconsistent messaging undermines their ability to trust the assurances provided by the Justice Department (NPR).
Conclusion
The claim that the Trump administration threatens to deport Kilmar Abrego Garcia to a third country is True. This conclusion is based on credible reports from multiple sources, including statements made by Justice Department officials in court. The administration's plans to deport him after his trial, despite the complexities surrounding his case, substantiate the claim.
