Claims of Abuse Against Kilmar Abrego Garcia in CECOT Prison

Kilmar Abrego Garcia reportedly endured extensive maltreatment including 'beatings, denial of basic needs, insufficient food, and psychological harm' starting from his arrival in March at the infamous CECOT mega-prison in El Salvador, per a revised legal document submitted by his defense team.

These allegations surfaced in a legal motion from Abrego Garcia's lawyers on Wednesday, seeking a Maryland U.S. District Judge, Paula Xinis, to halt his deportation while facing charges of human smuggling in Tennessee.

His legal team intended to elaborate in their initial court papers on his March arrest, his U.S. incarceration experience, and his subsequent time in El Salvador, highlighting a 2019 court ruling that prohibited his deportation due to risk of persecution. This was after his alleged gang affiliation with MS-13, which he refutes.

Denouncement of Gang Involvement

According to the Wednesday filing, Abrego Garcia persistently informed authorities from his arrest that 'he was not part of any gang' and had legitimate authorization to stay and work in the United States.

Upon reaching CECOT, a prison officer reportedly remarked, 'Welcome to CECOT. No one exits from here,' as per the filing. During entry, Abrego Garcia was 'ushered onto a bus, compelled to sit, bound with additional chains, and was repeatedly beaten when he lifted his head,' the document noted.

It was claimed that he 'had to undress, change into prison attire, and endure physical assaults such as being kicked and hit to hasten his compliance,' his representatives reported.

Inhumane Detention Conditions

Visible injuries covered Abrego Garcia's body, as per the document. He and others were forced to kneel for extended hours, with guards striking anyone who faltered from fatigue.

The detainees resided on steel beds without mattresses in overcrowded, windowless cells, with lights on continuously and minimal sanitary facilities, his legal team observed.

Maltreatment Continues

Abrego Garcia alleges that Salvadoran officials acknowledged he wasn't involved in gangs and subsequently moved him and about 20 others to a lone cell shortly after their arrival.

He reportedly lost around 31 pounds during his first two weeks at CECOT.

Later, on April 10, he was sent to a prison in Santa Ana, El Salvador, where he was often hidden from visitors, the document details.

Legal Proceedings and Deportation Risks

Recently extradited to respond to allegations of illegal transportation of undocumented persons while in Tennessee, Abrego Garcia pled not guilty.

Federal attorneys in Tennessee have signaled intent to deport Abrego Garcia to another country should he receive bail. His counsel has requested Judge Xinis to facilitate his transfer to Maryland and prevent his deportation without notification to him and the legal team.

Lawyers argued that without detailed information on the intended deportation country, Abrego Garcia cannot adequately prepare to seek refuge.