Maryland Father Mistakenly Deported: Wife Speaks of Her Fear and Loss

Jennifer Vasquez Sura speaks out about her husband, Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was mistakenly deported to El Salvador despite having protected status. She fears for his safety in a dangerous prison and underscores that her husband is not a criminal. The Trump administration admitted the deportation error, but no solutions have been provided for his return. Unfounded allegations of gang involvement further complicate the situation.
Jennifer Vasquez Sura, the wife of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, shared her fear for her husband’s safety after he was mistakenly deported to El Salvador on March 15. Abrego Garcia was deported despite holding protected status since 2019 due to threats of gang persecution. Vasquez Sura expressed concern over his placement in CECOT prison, identified as accommodating violent criminals, saying, “My husband’s not a criminal.”
After losing contact with her husband following his March 12 detainment by ICE, Vasquez Sura discovered his deportation through a photo of him among detainees. She became distraught upon recognizing him, stating she was scared for his life. The couple has a 5-year-old son with disabilities and Vasquez Sura called Abrego Garcia, “an amazing person” and father.
Although Abrego Garcia entered the U.S. undocumented as a teenager, he was granted protected status due to potential persecution in El Salvador. Reports indicate that he had minor traffic violations but lacked any criminal record.
The Trump administration admitted the deportation was an error but has not taken action to reunite the family, claiming they lack jurisdiction after handing Abrego Garcia to Salvadoran authorities. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt unjustly labeled him a leader in the MS-13 gang and a participant in human trafficking without presenting concrete evidence. Abrego Garcia’s lawyer denounced these claims as merely hearsay.
After his detention by ICE in Texas, Abrego Garcia was misinformed regarding his immigration status. Since March 15, he has been unable to contact his family, leaving Vasquez Sura waiting anxiously for a call that never came, saying, “I waited and waited.”
The situation surrounding Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s deportation highlights significant issues regarding immigration policy and the repercussions of administrative errors. Despite the government’s acknowledgment of the error, the family remains separated, raising concerns about the treatment and rights of individuals under protected status. The claims made by officials against Abrego Garcia have been met with skepticism due to a lack of supporting evidence. Overall, this case reflects the complexities and challenges within the immigration system.
Original Source: people.com