Los Angeles, CA- Following a visit from Secretary Marco Rubio to El Salvador, it was announced that the country would receive criminals and migrants in exchange for funding. In recent weeks and months, reports have emerged confirming that migrants are indeed being deported to El Salvador, with some even being held in the maximum-security prison CECOT. 

There have been alarming concerns about the failure to provide due process for individuals sent to El Salvador, including migrants with legal status in the United States. Reports have also stated 75% of those deported have no apparent criminal convictions. One such case is that of Maryland native Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was mistakenly deported—an error acknowledged by ICE. A federal court has ordered that Abrego Garcia be returned to his family by midnight tonight. In response, President Trump has petitioned the Supreme Court to block the decision and now the Supreme Court has put the order on hold to have more time to review the case. 

Martha Arevalo, Executive Director of CARECEN-LA has issued the following statement; 

"It is appalling to see the U.S. prison pipeline system being expanded into El Salvador. A country already plagued with serious human rights violations and a lack of due process is now aiding this current draconian administration in doing the same. Venezuelan families are pleading for the release of their loved ones—individuals who have never been proven, in any court of law, to be affiliated with gangs. Abrego Garcia was torn from his family and deported to El Salvador due to an acknowledged mistake by federal authorities, and now the President of the United States wants to block the court’s decision to bring him back? It’s inhumane and unacceptable. President Bukele must do the right thing: release Abrego and stop aiding the United States in carrying out its dirty work. Also, we want the Trump Administration to comply with the Federal Court order which is now being put on hold by SCOTUS. 

We are living in dark times, facing attacks on the migrant community at every level—including those with legal status. Now more than ever, we must remain vigilant, informed, and committed to protecting one another."

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