Trump Weighs In on Deportation Case, Hints at Possible Intervention

President Trump said he "could" call El Salvador's president to secure the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was deported last month in what the government calls an "administrative error." The administration is under a court order to facilitate his return, despite a prior ruling against his deportation. Trump stated he might consider calling if Abrego Garcia were a different person, but his legal team advises against it.

Trump described Abrego Garcia as an "MS-13 gang member" and alleged domestic violence, claims his legal team denies. Abrego Garcia's wife had previously sought a protective order but did not pursue the case. Trump also said he hadn't directly asked the Salvadoran president for Abrego Garcia's release.

Abrego Garcia, who entered the U.S. illegally, was deported despite a prior ruling preventing it. The Supreme Court has ordered the administration to "facilitate" his release. His deportation was part of a broader strategy of deporting alleged gang members.

The administration has used the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, a rarely used law, for these deportations, which has faced criticism. Trump stated that migrants who enter the country illegally are subject to a different legal process.