Abrego Garcia criminal trial kicks off in Tennessee
Illegal migrant Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadorian national, was mistakenly deported to El Salvador before being returned to the United States to face federal prosecution. The Oversight Project President Mike Howell recently joined ‘Fox & Friends First’ to provide insight into the case.
Abrego Garcia was arraigned in Nashville on Friday on charges of human trafficking and conspiracy. The charges stem from a 2022 traffic stop where he was allegedly involved in transporting undocumented migrants. He is expected to enter a plea as he faces legal proceedings.
The case against Abrego Garcia, believed to be a member of the MS-13 gang, has garnered national attention due to the legal battle over his deportation and the Trump administration’s efforts to delay his return to the US. Despite a Supreme Court order earlier this year to facilitate his release, the administration continued to delay his return.
In a court filing, Abrego Garcia’s lawyers requested his release from custody while awaiting trial, arguing that the government’s reasons for detaining him, including his alleged gang affiliation, are unfounded. They emphasized that there is no evidence of him being a flight risk or engaging in recent international travel.
However, federal prosecutors have opposed his release, stating that Abrego Garcia would have a strong motive to flee if not detained immediately. The Justice Department filed charges against him on May 21, raising questions about the timing of the investigation and grand jury proceedings.
Abrego Garcia’s family previously sued the Trump administration after his deportation to El Salvador in March. An immigration judge had ruled in 2019 that he could be deported, but not to El Salvador. Upon his return to the US, he was sent to Tennessee to face charges related to transporting undocumented immigrants.
As the case continues to unfold, it remains a developing news story with updates expected. Stay tuned for further information as the legal proceedings progress.
