MS-13 Member Faces Trafficking Charges

Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a member of the MS-13 gang, is facing trafficking charges involving smuggling individuals from El Salvador back to the United States.

“He was engaged in smuggling humans, including children and women,” the Attorney General mentioned during a press conference where federal charges were announced. This included reference to the gang members associated with his actions in a prison notorious for murders.

“There were many trips identified by the federal judge that involved smuggling people across the country,” the AG added.

The federal charges were filed in Tennessee on May 21, alleging that Abrego Garcia participated in a long-running conspiracy aimed at facilitating illegal immigration from countries like El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Ecuador through Mexico and Texas, then onto Maryland and beyond.

“The federal judge has revealed Abrego Garcia’s significant involvement in smuggling rings over the last nine years,” the AG noted. “It became clear that this was his main occupation, rather than being a contractor.”

“They utilized a vehicle, an SUV equipped with extra seating and damaged flooring,” she explained. “In addition to smuggling, the judge discovered guns, drugs, minors, women, and MS-13 members involved.”

Further allegations state that, aside from smuggling numerous illegal immigrants, Abrego Garcia partook in the murder of a rival gang member’s mother and sought inappropriate images of minors.

However, these specific claims haven’t been included in the indictment. Additionally, no allegations related to smuggling groups concerning the deaths of over 50 migrants from a 2021 tractor trailer accident in Mexico were filed.

“These facts indicate that Abrego Garcia poses a threat to our community,” the AG stated. “I anticipate that he will return to El Salvador after serving his sentence.”

Reports about the charges and Abrego Garcia’s return to the U.S. initially emerged through ABC News.

The smuggling operation, which Abrego Garcia reportedly took part in, lasted nearly a decade and helped transport thousands of illegal immigrants, including members of the MS-13 gang, from Central America and Mexico.

Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) visited Abrego Garcia in a major Salvadoran prison and celebrated the return of his previous associates, claiming it demonstrated that the Trump administration eventually met court demands.

“This isn’t just about the individuals involved; it’s about constitutional rights for everyone,” Van Hollen expressed in a statement following their meeting in April, while enjoying a drink in San Salvador. “The administration must uphold this claim in court, as it should have long ago.”

It’s uncertain whether his return will lead to additional legal challenges in Maryland, where the initial deportation was contested.

“His return was prompted by an existing arrest warrant,” Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche told the media.

“We are still pursuing an ongoing lawsuit in Maryland,” Blanche added.