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Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland resident who was mistakenly deported to El Salvador, has been transferred to the Moshannon Valley Processing Center in Philipsburg, Pennsylvania. According to NBC News, his attorneys reported the transfer on Friday (September 26), and the Department of Homeland Security confirmed it on Saturday (September 27). Previously held in Virginia, the move was intended to improve access for his legal team, although his attorneys argue that the new location poses additional travel challenges.
Abrego's case has become a focal point in the Trump administration's immigration policies. He was deported to El Salvador in March due to an administrative error but was returned to the U.S. in June to face human smuggling charges. The administration alleges that he is affiliated with the MS-13 gang, a claim he denies. His lawyers are contesting the deportation efforts, citing his lack of gang ties and arguing that he is being punished for asserting his constitutional rights.
Concerns have been raised about the conditions at the Moshannon facility, with reports of assaults, inadequate medical care, and insufficient food. A detainee died by suicide there last month, adding to the worries about the facility's conditions. CNN reported that Abrego's legal team is seeking his release and is working to prevent his deportation.
The Trump administration has suggested deporting Abrego to countries such as Uganda or Eswatini, where he has no ties. A court order from 2019 prohibits his deportation to El Salvador due to potential threats, but the administration is challenging this order. Abrego has lived in Maryland since 2012 after entering the U.S. without permission and has no criminal record in the country.