Rubio Pushes for Return of Wrongfully Deported ‘Cristian’ Amid Trump Administration Negotiations

WASHINGTON — U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is taking action to bring back a man wrongfully deported to El Salvador’s notorious Centro de Confinamiento del Terrorismo (CE-COT). The effort follows a request from the Department of Homeland Security, as noted in recent court filings.

The individual, referred to by the pseudonym “Cristian,” could become the first deportee returned from this infamous facility. This development would challenge the Trump administration’s ongoing assertion that El Salvador maintains custody over its deportees, a claim that has been a focal point in various legal battles.

A federal judge in Maryland, appointed by Trump, criticized the administration for not providing adequate information on efforts to return Cristian. This case parallels the situation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, another deportee facing similar circumstances despite a Supreme Court order for his return. Accusations from U.S. officials claim Abrego Garcia is a gang member, but no substantial evidence supports this claim.

According to documents submitted by DHS official Mellissa B. Harper, Rubio has longstanding relationships with Salvadoran officials, dating back to his tenure on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. His familiarity with the region’s political landscape positions him as a key player in negotiations aimed at facilitating Cristian’s return.

The court documents indicate Rubio is committed to meeting the judge’s order. DHS has requested State Department assistance in discussions around Cristian’s repatriation, showcasing a collaborative effort among federal agencies.

Judge Stephanie Gallagher of the District of Maryland expressed her dissatisfaction with the administration’s perceived inaction. She emphasized the lack of substantial steps taken to comply with her order to facilitate Cristian’s return, asserting that they had merely restated familiar objections to the deportations.

Cristian is among approximately 300 individuals sent to CECOT, with many removed under the Alien Enemies Act. His story is particularly notable as he entered the U.S. as an unaccompanied minor and had secured protections against removal while his asylum claim was being processed.

The Trump administration has committed up to $15 million to El Salvador for detaining deported immigrants, further complicating the dynamics of these cases. Gallagher highlighted that Cristian’s deportation stems from a U.S.-El Salvador agreement, underlining the complexities of international immigration policies.