Maryland Man's Deportation Sparks Outcry as Family Denies MS-13 Link and Demands His Return

Maryland Man Deported on Faulty MS-13 Allegations Remains in Limbo

A Maryland father is at the center of a bitter legal battle after being deported in March 2025 to El Salvador over disputed MS-13 allegations. Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s sudden removal came even after a federal judge ordered the U.S. government to bring him back, citing serious errors by immigration officials.

Abrego Garcia, who arrived in the United States at 16 to escape the violent streets of El Salvador, carved out a life for himself and his family in Maryland. Life seemed to stabilize when, in 2019, he was granted relief from removal after applying for asylum. But trouble struck again when a confidential informant accused him of gang membership, lighting a fuse that ultimately led to his abrupt deportation years later.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) claimed new evidence tied Abrego Garcia to the notorious MS-13. Yet, his attorneys and his wife, Vasquez Sura, insist those accusations are baseless. Even a U.S. District Court sided with the family, blasting ICE’s actions as ‘lawless’ and ordering his immediate return.

The Department of Homeland Security, under the Trump administration, stood its ground and insisted he had criminal connections. But the so-called proof remains infuriatingly vague. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court stepped in with a stay, stalling the judge’s deadline and deepening the family’s anxiety.

Family’s Heartbreak and Ongoing Legal Saga

Abrego Garcia’s wife, Vasquez Sura, says the entire ordeal has shredded their family life. She’s especially worried for their autistic son, who searches for his father’s old work shirts—and sometimes just hugs them for a sense of comfort. ‘He’s always asking, Where’s Dad? Is he coming back?’ she said. The uncertainty weighs heavy, and their days feel defined by waiting and worrying.

The legal fight is now focused on transparency. Abrego Garcia’s lawyers have accused the government of stalling and want officials to explain what they’ve actually done to bring him home. A federal court recently pushed for government testimony about those efforts—a rare move in immigration disputes. Still, the fate of the Maryland man hangs in the balance, with no clear answer on if—or when—he will return.

Trying to bolster its case, the Department of Homeland Security pointed to a 2021 protective order request Vasquez made against her husband for domestic violence. But the matter was dismissed when she never served him with the papers. For her, dredging up this old allegation feels like another attempt to paint Abrego Garcia as something he’s not. His attorneys have repeatedly said no real evidence links him to MS-13, and the dismissed case shouldn’t define his character.

For now, the family and legal team are left grappling with bureaucracy, legal maneuvering, and uncertainty. While government officials spar in court over Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s status, one Maryland family just wants answers and a chance to be whole again.