Why El Salvador Continues to Detain Kilmar Ábrego García – 4-17-2025

Last updated on April 19, 2025

Kilmar Ábrego García, a Maryland resident wrongfully deported and now held in El Salvador’s maximum‑security CECOT prison, remains in custody despite a U.S. Supreme Court order directing his return.  El Salvador’s government has repeatedly declined U.S. requests for his release.  We don’t know why Kilmar Ábrego García is not returned to the U.S. since the U.S. Government has admitted that his deportation was the result of an administrative error.  We examine below the possible reasons why the El Salvador’s President Bukele is refusing at the moment to free him.

Security Narrative and Gang Label

Bukele’s administration publicly labels Ábrego García a “terrorist” linked to MS‑13—an allegation for which no evidence has been produced.  Sustaining that label allows officials to justify the detention as part of El Salvador’s nationwide anti‑gang crackdown, a centerpiece of Bukele’s public‑safety agenda and approval ratings.

Domestic Political Optics

Bukele’s popularity depends  on a hard‑line stand against crime.  Releasing a detainee the U.S. once classified as MS‑13 would undercut the image of zero tolerance ahead of El Salvador’s 2025 municipal elections.  Keeping Ábrego García imprisoned demonstrates consistency with the Salvadoran administration’s security policy.

Financial Incentives and Alleged Payments

According to Senator Chris Van Hollen, El Salvador’s vice‑president Félix Ulloa claimed that the Trump administration is paying the Salvadoran government to keep Ábrego García locked up.  Though unverified, the allegation implies that continued detention may carry financial benefits—offsetting CECOT operating costs or securing other forms of support—which is making Ábrego García’s release economically unattractive.

Sovereignty and Legal Posture

Salvadoran officials insist Ábrego García is held under domestic law and that only Salvadoran courts can authorize release.  Emphasizing judicial sovereignty allows President Bukele to defy external pressures while projecting adherence to the rule of law, even as many emergency‑powers detentions continue unchecked.

Diplomatic Bargaining Chip

The Ábrego García case provides El Salvador with leverage in overall U.S.–El Salvador negotiations over migration enforcement, security aid, and potential Temporary Protected Status (TPS) renewals.  By holding Ábrego García, the Salvadoran Government holds a high‑value bargaining chip that can be traded for concessions at the right moment.

Alignment with Current U.S. Administration

President Bukele is closely aligned with President Trump on immigration policy.  By making it difficult to comply with Senator Van Hollen’s requests and with the Supreme Court order to release Ábrego García, President Bukele demonstrates loyalty to the U.S. administration whose priorities align with his own crackdown, a strategy that could pay future dividends.

In Short

Ábrego García’s continued detention is likely driven by a mix of Salvadoran domestic political gains, possible financial incentives, sovereignty claims, and diplomatic bargaining.  Unless the monetary and political costs of holding him rise above these benefits, El Salvador’s leadership has several incentives to maintain the status quo.