The Trump administration has acknowledged that a Maryland father was mistakenly deported and subsequently imprisoned in a foreign “mega prison,” but officials say they are unable to bring him back. The admission comes after weeks of pressure from his family and legal advocates, who have accused the administration of reckless immigration enforcement.
The man, whose name has not been disclosed for privacy reasons, was living in the U.S. for over a decade with his wife and children before he was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during a routine check-in. Despite having an active legal appeal in process, he was swiftly deported to his home country, where he was immediately swept into a notorious high-security prison as part of a mass incarceration effort by the foreign government.
“This was a bureaucratic nightmare that turned into a human rights crisis,” said an attorney representing the family. “He was not supposed to be deported. He had legal protections in place, but the administration acted hastily, and now he’s trapped in a system that views him as a criminal simply for returning.”
Administration officials confirmed the error but expressed little confidence in rectifying the situation. “We acknowledge that this was a mistake, but we have no legal means to compel a foreign government to release or return him,” a senior White House official told reporters. “We are exploring diplomatic channels, but ultimately, his fate is out of our hands.”
The mega prison where he is being held is known for its overcrowding and harsh conditions, with reports of extrajudicial detentions and limited legal recourse for prisoners. His family has pleaded with U.S. officials to intervene, but so far, no concrete action has been taken.
Advocacy groups say this case highlights the dangers of aggressive deportation policies under the Trump administration, particularly for individuals who have ongoing legal cases or claims to relief.
“This isn’t just about one man—this is about a system that is failing families, breaking legal protocols, and endangering lives,” said a spokesperson for an immigration rights organization. “The government made this mistake. They need to take responsibility and get him home.”
The White House has not indicated whether it will escalate efforts to negotiate his release. Meanwhile, his family remains in limbo, fearing that each passing day in detention puts him at greater risk.