Read Time: 5 min 13 sec | Reading Level: 7th Grade

U.S. NEWS

Deportation Deadlock

Americans are debating the fate of a man who landed in an El Salvador mega-prison.

Here’s how it all began. Kilmar Abrego Garcia is a citizen of El Salvador who reportedly fled gang violence around 2011. He joined his brother in Maryland, married an American citizen, and became a father. The 29-year-old has been accused of being connected to the MS-13 gang, a group the U.S. has labeled a terrorist organization.  

In 2019, a court ruled that he could be deported (sent out of the United States), just not to El Salvador, where he may face danger from gangs. 

President Trump’s team admitted to making an “administrative error” when deporting Abrego Garcia to El Salvador. But the White House says he “should not be in our country” because he entered the U.S. illegally and has gang ties.

Abrego Garcia’s lawyers say there’s no evidence that he’s connected to any gangs. They say accusations need to be proven in court. They’re working to bring Abrego Garcia home. 

The Supreme Court ruled that the White House needs to get Abrego Garcia back. But the Trump administration says there’s not much they can do because American courts don’t have control over a Salvadoran in an El Salvador prison. El Salvador’s President Bukele said he won’t return Kilmar Abrego Garcia to the States.

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CHOOSE HUMILITY
When discussing divisive topics like immigration, remember that both your stance and how you take your stance reflect on Christ. Believing you’re right is not an excuse to be harsh, impatient, or unkind.

“O Lord, let those who claim your name do no harm to it by their abrasiveness and impatience, but rather, speaking your precious truth in love, let them present your story winsomely that it might be well-loved, and that others might be drawn to your goodness, your beauty.” 
Every Moment Holy, Volume 3, page 376

What do I want to make sure my kids know in light of this story?
Who belongs where can be a thorny issue for governments to sort out… but in God's kingdom, Jesus is clear: everyone’s invited.

You probably can’t do much about America’s deportation decisions. Instead of dwelling on issues you can’t control, give them to the Lord in prayer. Then, move on to what you can do: Be hospitable in your corner of the world. 

Jesus loved to engage with surprising people: tax collectors, women with questionable pasts, smelly fishermen, lepers, Roman authorities… He said, “It is not those who are well who need a doctor, but those who are sick… For I didn’t come to call the righteous, but sinners” (Matthew 9:12-13 CSB). Welcoming others who are different from us—maybe considered “outcasts” by others—showcases the welcoming love of our Savior.

What gospel lesson can be taught through this story?
Jesus modeled humble, radical love for his enemies. 

When we disagree with people (whether it’s about a current event or whose job it is to take out the trash), it’s so easy to be self-righteous and entitled. We think we’re right, and we want our way.  

On Maundy Thursday, Jesus washed his disciples’ feet—including the feet of Judas, the disciple Jesus knew would betray him. No one was more entitled to good treatment than Jesus, the Son of God. But he laid that aside and acted like a servant to demonstrate love for his friends and enemies, even to the point of dying on a cross (Philippians 2:3-11).

• Invite someone over for dinner who is different from you or overlooked by others: a neighbor, an older couple at church, a family who’s new in town, etc.

• Memorize John 13:34-35, “I give you a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you are also to love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (CSB).

• Pray for the Holy Spirit’s help to grow in humility and love in moments when you feel entitled to have your way.

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