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Allegations of Torture in Salvadoran Prison
Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran man wrongfully deported by the United States in March, has reported being subjected to physical and mental torture during his incarceration at El Salvador's Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT), according to legal documents filed by his attorneys.
Brutal Conditions at CECOT
Garcia described losing over 14 kilograms within his first weeks at CECOT, a maximum-security facility designed to hold 40,000 inmates. His account details being beaten by guards upon arrival, forced to march in bent positions while being struck with batons, and confined in overcrowded cells where twenty inmates had to squat through the night. Prisoners who collapsed from exhaustion were reportedly beaten by guards, and Garcia was denied toilet access, forcing him to defecate in his clothing.
Political Context and MS-13 Accusations
The 29-year-old became emblematic of the Trump administration's deportation policies after being accused of ties to MS-13, which the U.S. designated a terrorist organization in February 2025. His deportation occurred despite a judge's order. U.S. officials presented photoshopped images allegedly showing gang tattoos, while Salvadoran prison officials familiar with MS-13 symbolism confirmed Garcia's tattoos had no gang associations.
Legal Battle and Return to U.S.
After the U.S. Supreme Court ruled Garcia's deportation unlawful in April, American authorities issued a new arrest warrant for human smuggling. He was returned to Tennessee in May, where he maintains his innocence. His attorneys allege immigration officials deceived Garcia about seeing a judge to prevent him from contacting legal counsel.
Ongoing Legal Threats
Despite a judge's order for release, Garcia remains incarcerated in Tennessee after reports emerged that the Trump administration seeks to deport him to a third country. His legal team continues fighting for due process in what they characterize as "games played with someone's life."
