US Deports Salvadoran Man to Eswatini Amid Ongoing Immigration Dispute

US Tells Kilmar Ábrego García He Faces Deportation to Eswatini The Trump administration has informed Kilmar Ábrego García, a 30-year-old Salvadoran man at the center of a long-running immigration dispute, that he may be deported to Eswatini, a southern African kingdom. This decision comes after the US had previously considered sending him to Uganda. According to an email obtained by CBS News, an immigration officer stated that while they found Mr. Ábrego García's claims of persecution in Uganda "hard to take seriously," the US would nonetheless agree not to send him there. This marks at least the fourth country floated as a potential destination for the man who was mistakenly deported to El Salvador in March and later returned to face criminal charges. US officials acknowledged at the time that he was removed in error. In June, Mr. Ábrego García was brought back to the US, where he was detained and charged with human smuggling. He pleaded not guilty to the allegations, which Trump officials claim link him to the MS-13 gang, an accusation he denies. Mr. Ábrego García's deportation case has become a focal point in the administration's crackdown on immigration. His lawyers have expressed concerns about his safety in Eswatini, citing reports of human rights abuses and persecution against LGBTQ+ individuals in the country. "Eswatini is not a safe destination for anyone, let alone someone who has been through what Kilmar has," said one of Mr. Ábrego García's attorneys, who wished to remain anonymous. "We will continue to fight this decision and ensure that our client receives a fair hearing." Background on the case reveals that Mr. Ábrego García was mistakenly deported to El Salvador in March after being detained by US immigration authorities. He was later returned to the US, where he faced charges related to human smuggling. International observers have been following the case closely, with some expressing concerns about the Trump administration's handling of immigration cases. "This decision raises serious questions about the US government's commitment to protecting the rights and safety of individuals in its custody," said a spokesperson for Amnesty International. "We urge the administration to reconsider this decision and ensure that Mr. Ábrego García receives a fair hearing." The current status of Mr. Ábrego García's case remains uncertain, with his lawyers vowing to continue fighting against his deportation. The US government has yet to comment on the specifics of its decision to send him to Eswatini. In related news, human rights groups have been monitoring the situation in Eswatini, where reports of persecution and human rights abuses have been escalating in recent months. The kingdom's government has faced criticism for its handling of LGBTQ+ individuals, with some accusing it of perpetuating a culture of fear and intimidation. The US State Department has also raised concerns about human rights abuses in the country, citing reports of arbitrary arrests and detention. As the situation continues to unfold, international observers will be watching closely to see how the US government handles this complex case. *Reporting by Bbc.*