Trump Administration Moves to Extradite MS-13 Member to Liberia

The Trump administration is pursuing the extradition of Kilmer Abrego Garcia, an alleged MS-13 gang member, human smuggler, and domestic violence suspect, to Liberia.

As noted in a recent court filing, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has indicated that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) “has identified additional countries from which to expel” Abrego-Garcia. They plan to provide him with formal notice regarding the decision to send him to Liberia “later today,” suggesting that he could be removed from the United States as soon as Friday, October 31.

This legal action follows a federal judge’s earlier ruling in October that dismissed a motion from Abrego-Garcia’s attorneys to reopen his case, thereby reinforcing a “final deportation order.”

The filing states, “Federal Defendants hereby notify you that they have identified a new country for expulsion that has agreed to accept Complainant, and that is the Republic of Liberia.” Despite Abrego-Garcia asserting that he faces persecution in over 20 countries if deported, Liberia does not appear on his list of concerns.

Liberia is characterized as a “prosperous democracy” and a vital partner of the United States in Africa. There’s a long history between the two nations, as Liberia was founded by American immigrants over two centuries ago. The country’s capital, Monrovia, is named after a U.S. president, and its national language is English, mirroring that of the United States. It also follows a constitution based largely on that of the U.S., established in 1986, which provides strong protections for human rights.

Following his arrest and deportation to El Salvador earlier this year, Abrego-Garcia garnered some media and Democratic support, being labeled a “Marylander.” However, White House press secretary Caroline Leavitt later clarified that he was “actually the leader of the brutal MS-13 gang” involved in human trafficking.

Leavitt emphasized the administration’s stance, stating, “This individual, who was deported to El Salvador and will not return to our country, was a member of the brutal and violent MS-13 gang. That is the first fact. Fact number two, we also have credible information proving that this individual was involved in human trafficking. And fact number three, this individual was a member, in fact, a leader, of the brutal MS-13 gang, which this president has designated as a foreign terrorist organization.”

While Abrego-Garcia denies any affiliation with MS-13, he also faces various charges, which he continues to reject. It’s a complex situation, intertwined with personal and legal controversies.