Letters to the Editor | April 17, 2025

The situation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the immigrant deported by mistake to a Salvadoran prison for whom the Trump administration has resisted a U.S. Supreme Court order to facilitate his return, reminded me of a key aspect of my Catholic faith. The sacrament of Confirmation imprints an indelible mark on the soul that makes us soldiers of Christ, endowed with the spiritual strength to fight and die for our faith, as popularly depicted in the lives of St. George and the Dragon and St. Joan of Arc. I think of due process as an indelible mark on the soul of the American body politic, implanted by the Constitution, and for which we would not be American if we did not fight and, at the risk of being overdramatic, die. Abrego Garcia, no matter his birthplace, did not receive due process, for which he had a right. To not fight for him is genetically impossible for true Americans.

Edward J. Gallagher, Bethlehem

Regarding The Inquirer article headlined, “Trump says he wants to imprison U.S. citizens in El Salvador. That’s likely illegal.” Likely illegal? Are you kidding me? This violates the core principles of our Constitution of presumed innocence and the right to due process. When is the media going to stop mealy mouthing what we can all see: The current administration is unchecked, and we are being dragged into a dictatorship.

Earl Marsh, Philadelphia

The media, especially the broadcast networks and newspapers, including The Inquirer, have failed to investigate and enlighten us as to basic facts critical to understanding the situation in El Salvador. Specifically: What are the terms of the U.S. government’s contract with El Salvador for imprisonment of individuals rendered? Where in the U.S. government do the funds paid to El Salvador originate from, and who, exactly, is the payee? What are the terms of the services being contracted for? How many meals per day for the prisoners? What are the health care arrangements? How are these provisions itemized and invoiced? What governmental body is monitoring the contractor (and who is the contractor) for compliance? What rules or laws govern the “corrections officers” who work at CECOT? And most important: What are the terms of the sentences for those incarcerated at CECOT? When will they be paroled or released? We are waiting for answers.

Rich Hluchan, Cherry Hill

Kilmar Abrego Garcia was not charged nor convicted of the commission of a violent criminal act. Abrego Garcia was transported across multiple state lines to be held in false imprisonment by Salvadoran beneficiaries of financial reward. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, Todd Lyons, acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and President Donald Trump should be charged with kidnapping by the Maryland attorney general. Kidnapping is not a legitimate presidential act covered by the U.S. Supreme Court’s blanket exemption from prosecution for the executive officeholder.

Craig McBride, Coatesville

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