In a recent episode of “The Daily Show,” host Jon Stewart addressed the controversial deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, an undocumented migrant from El Salvador. This segment marked a notable shift towards a more serious tone from Stewart as he expressed concern over the implications of Garcia’s deportation.

The Background of Garcia’s Deportation

Garcia, a father and husband to an American citizen, found himself suddenly deported to El Salvador last month due to what the Justice Department described as an “administrative error.” Stewart highlighted the dramatic impact of this situation during the segment, emphasizing Garcia’s familial ties and the unexpected nature of his deportation.

Stewart’s Humorous Riffs and Serious Concerns

In typical Stewart fashion, he infused humor into his commentary, notably suggesting that Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, who visited the White House, could assist in bringing Garcia back to the United States. “You don’t even have to give Garcia the middle seat,” Stewart quipped, illustrating the absurdity of the situation.

However, the humor took a darker turn as Stewart reflected on his dismay at the seemingly indifferent attitudes of both President Trump and Bukele regarding Garcia’s plight. He expressed frustration that the lives of individuals like Garcia appeared not to matter to leaders in power.

Key Exchanges Between Trump and Bukele

During the segment, Stewart played clips from the meeting between Trump and Bukele. When pressed about returning Garcia, Bukele sarcastically asked, “How can I smuggle a terrorist into the United States?” This prompted Stewart to criticize both leaders for their dismissive attitude toward Garcia’s situation, stating, “I can’t do it. I guess we’ll just have to let him rot in fucking prison, even though he didn’t deserve to be there.”

Trump’s Response to Journalistic Queries

Stewart also showcased how Trump reacted to journalists’ inquiries about his administration’s immigration policies. When CNN’s Caitlin Collins challenged Trump about following Supreme Court decisions, he deflected, stating, “Why don’t you just say, ‘Isn’t it wonderful that we’re keeping criminals out of our country.’” Stewart noted Trump’s apparent disregard for the seriousness of the situation amid the fray of their interaction.

Implications of Authoritarian Policies

In a shocking revelation during the segment, Trump mentioned his openness to deporting U.S. citizens under certain circumstances, specifically homegrown criminals. This statement led Stewart to reflect on the increasing authoritarian nature of Trump’s policies, saying, “I did not think he would get this authoritarian this fast.”