The wife of a Maryland father who was deported to El Salvador due to an administrative error under the Trump administration is breaking her silence, expressing her deep fear for her husband’s safety as he remains in a notorious Salvadoran prison.
Jennifer Vasquez Sura, the wife of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, spoke publicly for the first time on April 2 during an interview with CBS Mornings.
Her husband, Abrego Garcia, was deported on March 15 to the infamous CECOT prison in El Salvador despite having been granted protected status in 2019 due to fears of gang violence in his home country.
Vasquez Sura, visibly emotional, explained her growing concern: “I’ve seen news of that prison, and I know they take criminals there. And my husband’s not a criminal.”
Abrego Garcia, 29, entered the U.S. illegally as a teenager in 2011 but was granted protected status, fearing persecution by gangs if he were forced to return to El Salvador.
He has no criminal record in the U.S., only some traffic violations, and was considered an outstanding father and husband to their 5-year-old son with disabilities.
READ ALSO: Georgia Chick-fil-A Worker Found Dead After Car Crash While Trying to Get Help
Vasquez Sura lost contact with her husband after he was detained by ICE agents on March 12. She didn’t learn of his deportation until she saw a photo of detainees in a Salvadoran prison, which she instantly recognized as her husband.
“When I saw it, I immediately broke down because I knew it was him,” she said. Her biggest fear remains for his safety: “I’m scared for his life.”
Despite the Trump administration’s acknowledgment of the mistake, U.S. officials have stated they lack the jurisdiction to bring Abrego Garcia back to his family.
In a briefing, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt attempted to justify the deportation by labeling Abrego Garcia as a leader in the MS-13 gang and claiming he was involved in human trafficking, although no evidence has been provided to support these claims. His lawyer has called the allegations “based on hearsay.”
Vasquez Sura continues to wait for news of her husband’s well-being. “I waited and waited,” she shared. “He never made that call.”
