Baltimore Dad Returns to U.S. to Face Human Trafficking Charges, Linked to At Least One Murder and Several Deaths

1Salvadoran national extradited to U.S. to face human smuggling charges

WASHINGTON — Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran national accused of orchestrating a years-long human smuggling operation, has been extradited to the United States to face federal charges, U.S. officials announced Thursday.

Garcia is charged under Title 8 U.S.C. §1324 with alien smuggling and conspiracy to commit alien smuggling. Prosecutors allege he directed a criminal network that trafficked thousands of migrants — including minors — across the U.S.-Mexico border using concealed transport vehicles and modified SUVs over a nine-year span.

The extradition followed a formal request to the Salvadoran government, which U.S. officials say was granted with the direct cooperation of President Nayib Bukele. “We’re grateful to Pr