In the latest episode of “The Trump Administration vs. Reality,” Homeland Security has outdone itself by comparing a wrongly deported Maryland father to Osama bin Laden. Yes, you read that right. Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a lawful U.S. resident with no criminal record, was mistakenly deported to El Salvador. Now, he’s being held in a prison notorious for human rights abuses, while the administration scrambles to justify its blunder.
DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin, in a statement that would make Orwell blush, claimed that Abrego Garcia is “exactly where he belongs” and likened him to bin Laden. The rationale? Well, he was born in El Salvador, and despite a lack of evidence, they’re labeling him an MS-13 gang member. It’s a bold strategy—equating a family man to a terrorist mastermind without a shred of proof.
“I think this illegal alien is exactly where he belongs – home in El Salvador,” McLaughlin said. “He was in our country illegally. He’s from El Salvador, was born in El Salvador, and oh, the media forgot to mention he is an MS-13 gang member. The media would love for you to believe this is a media darling and that’s just a Maryland father. Well, Osama bin Laden was also a father. And yet, he wasn’t a good guy and they actually are both terrorists.”
The Supreme Court, not amused by this charade, ordered the administration to facilitate Abrego Garcia’s return. But instead of complying, officials are pointing fingers at El Salvador, claiming they can’t force another country to release someone. It’s a convenient excuse, especially when the error originated from their own “administrative oversight.”
El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele isn’t helping matters. He insists he lacks the authority to return Abrego Garcia, dismissing the Supreme Court’s order as “preposterous.” It’s a diplomatic dance where both parties refuse to take responsibility, leaving an innocent man caught in the crossfire.
Abrego Garcia’s story isn’t unique. The administration has a history of making unsubstantiated claims about immigrants’ affiliations with gangs like MS-13, often without presenting evidence in court. It’s a tactic that serves political narratives but undermines the justice system and the lives of those wrongfully accused.
In the end, this isn’t just about one man. It’s about an administration willing to bend the truth, defy court orders, and sacrifice individual rights for the sake of political expediency. And while they play this dangerous game, real people like Abrego Garcia and his family bear the consequences.
DHS Asst. Sec. for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin compares Abrego Garcia to Osama bin Laden:
“The media would love for you to believe that… he’s just some Maryland father. Well, Osama bin Laden was also a father.” pic.twitter.com/OUyKRdO3yR [1]
— The Bulwark (@BulwarkOnline) April 14, 2025 [2]