Stephen Miller, Deputy Chief of Staff under President Trump, forcefully defended the administration’s decision to deport Kilmar Abrego-Garcia to Uganda rather than his native El Salvador, stating, “We are not a travel booking agency.” The comment came during a press exchange in which a reporter questioned the choice of destination for the Salvadoran national, who is alleged to have ties to the violent MS-13 gang.
Miller clarified that the deportation destination was determined by an existing relocation agreement with Uganda, not by the preferences of the individual being deported. Abrego-Garcia reportedly refused to return to El Salvador, prompting the administration to proceed with deportation to a third country willing to accept him. The administration has maintained that such actions are necessary to enforce immigration law and prevent dangerous individuals from remaining in the United States.
Legal challenges have emerged in response to the deportation, with some courts examining the extent to which non-citizens can object to the destination of their removal. Immigration enforcement officials argue that the law provides flexibility in removing individuals who pose a threat or who refuse to cooperate. The Trump administration’s stance on third-country deportations has become a flashpoint in ongoing legal battles, particularly involving individuals with criminal affiliations.
Miller reiterated that the government’s duty is to protect American citizens, not to accommodate foreign nationals evading lawful removal. The incident has reignited debate over sovereignty, national security, and the proper limits of judicial intervention in executive immigration enforcement.
