Deported Man Alleges Severe Mistreatment in Salvadoran Prison
After being mistakenly deported from the United States to El Salvador in March, Kilmar Abrego Garcia reported suffering severe abuse and psychological torture in one of the country’s most notorious prisons. The allegations were detailed in a court document filed in Maryland.
Garcia’s arrival at CECOT, a mega-prison in Tecoluca, El Salvador, was marked by “severe mistreatment,” including beatings, sleep deprivation, and poor nutrition, according to the document. His legal representatives argue that he should not be deported again without due process.
The filing describes Garcia being stripped upon arrival, subjected to physical abuse, and placed in overcrowded conditions with inadequate facilities. Prisoners were reportedly forced to kneel for extended periods, leading to exhaustion and further mistreatment.
Garcia’s health deteriorated drastically during his initial weeks at CECOT, with significant weight loss noted. Reports from human rights organizations like Cristosal have echoed concerns about conditions in Salvadoran prisons.
In an attempt to visit Garcia, Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen was informed of his transfer to another facility. Before this move, Garcia was allegedly photographed under improved conditions, a stark contrast to his initial experience.
Amid ongoing legal battles, the Department of Homeland Security, through spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin, has labeled Garcia as an MS-13 gang member—a claim he and his family deny. The department also highlighted past domestic abuse allegations, which Garcia’s wife later withdrew.
Despite a Supreme Court ruling ordering the U.S. administration to facilitate Garcia’s return for due process, he was detained in Tennessee on charges related to unlawful transportation. While a judge has approved conditional release, his lawyers seek to keep him in detention to prevent another deportation.
This article was originally written by www.npr.org
