Gathering Tensions Over MS-13 Allegations

On Wednesday, Representative Dan Goldman from New York found himself in a contentious exchange with Georgia Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene regarding Kilmer Abrego Garcia, whom Greene claims is affiliated with the notorious MS-13 gang.

Greene referenced various sources, including immigrant judges and law enforcement, arguing that Garcia, who unlawfully entered the U.S. in 2011, is indeed connected to MS-13. In response, New York’s Democrats criticized Greene for what they termed inaccuracies in her claims, seeking to block the inclusion of her evidence in Congressional records.

Greene asserted, “The Maryland County Police Gang Unit confirmed that [Garcia] is a trusted informant linking him to MS-13, along with agreements from ICE officials and an immigration judge.”

Goldman disagreed sharply, stating, “I think she’s incorrect in her information. There’s no court order confirming him as a member. If the evidence supports her claims, then it should be presented in court. If he is part of MS-13, then yes, deportation would be appropriate.”

Meanwhile, Republican Rep. Mark Green, who chairs the House Homeland Security Committee, defended Greene’s right to submit her evidence for the committee’s consideration.

Garcia was previously found in a Home Depot parking lot in March 2019, identified by a “Chicago Bulls” hat and a hoodie. He was linked to MS-13, as authorities noted. An immigration judge had ordered his deportation, but ultimately halted the action, suggesting he might face danger if sent back to El Salvador.

In 2022, local authorities grew suspicious when Garcia was connected to a case of human smuggling on a Tennessee highway, where he was found transporting eight passengers in a vehicle associated with an illegal immigrant convicted of smuggling in 2020.

Court records indicate that in 2021, Jennifer Vazquez Sula, who is linked to the gang, filed a domestic violence order against Garcia, claiming he physically assaulted her.

While congressional Democrats, including Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen, expressed support for Garcia and traveled to El Salvador, it should be noted that during Donald Trump’s presidency, the administration pushed for him to remain in El Salvador due to his past criminal activities. There was even a Supreme Court ruling advising his repatriation, but El Salvador’s President, Naibe Bukele, stated during a meeting on April 14 that Garcia would not be allowed back into the U.S.