^{President Donald Trump meets with El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., on April 14, 2025. | Brendan Smialowski / AFP via Getty Images}

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Bukele Defies U.S. Supreme Court, Refuses Repatriation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia

In a move that has ignited diplomatic tensions, El Salvador President Nayib Bukele declared Monday that his government will not extradite Kilmar Abrego Garcia back to the United States, despite a U.S. Supreme Court order instructing the Trump administration to facilitate his return.

Bukele made the statement directly from the White House during a high-stakes meeting with President Donald Trump. The confrontation centers around Abrego Garcia, who was forcibly deported in March and has been incarcerated since in one of El Salvador’s most infamous prisons.

Bukele’s Defiant Statement

When pressed by a reporter during the press event, Bukele dismissed the request outright. “The question is preposterous,” he said, drawing a firm line on the issue of sovereignty. “That’s where you deport people—to their country of origin.”

Abrego Garcia has reportedly been held at El Penal de Zacatecoluca, known for housing some of the most dangerous inmates in the country. Human rights advocates have expressed concern over his incarceration conditions, but Bukele remained unmoved.

U.S. Response: Political vs. Judicial Authority

The response from the Trump administration was equally combative. Florida Senator Marco Rubio, also present at the meeting, added fuel to the fire:

“The foreign policy of the United States is conducted by the President of the United States, not by a court. No court in the U.S. has the authority to dictate foreign policy. End of story.”

When a CNN reporter attempted to follow up with a question directed at Trump, the former president grew visibly irritated.

“How long do we have to answer this question from you?” Trump asked.
“Why don’t you just say, ‘Isn’t it wonderful that we’re keeping criminals out of our country?’”

Trump’s remarks hinted at broader immigration policy priorities and reiterated his administration’s hardline stance against what he frequently labels “criminal infiltration.”

Legal and Diplomatic Implications

The case raises serious questions about the balance of power between the U.S. executive branch and judicial mandates. Legal scholars argue that while the Supreme Court can issue directives, enforcement—especially in cases involving international sovereignty—is ultimately in the hands of the executive.

According to a 2024 report from the Council on Foreign Relations, over 45% of international extradition requests made by the U.S. have historically faced delays or outright refusals due to political entanglements, human rights concerns, or lack of bilateral agreements.

The Supreme Court’s order, though symbolically powerful, lacks clear enforcement mechanisms abroad. It’s unclear how the U.S. intends to proceed now that El Salvador has openly refused to comply.

Context: Who is Kilmar Abrego Garcia?

Abrego Garcia is reportedly linked to transnational criminal activities, though details remain classified. Sources within the Department of Homeland Security claim he was under investigation in the U.S. for racketeering and narcotics distribution prior to his deportation.

El Salvador has not confirmed specific charges but indicated that his incarceration relates to existing local investigations.

What Comes Next?

This incident could be a flashpoint in U.S.-El Salvador relations, particularly as the two nations continue to collaborate on border security, migration deterrence, and anti-gang initiatives. Analysts warn that continued friction could impact foreign aid and cooperation agreements between Washington and San Salvador.

As of now, the Biden administration has not issued a public response, but diplomatic sources suggest a formal statement is forthcoming.

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