First court day for Kilmar Abrego Garcia ends with no decision on custody

Illegal migrant Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was deported to El Salvador and is now facing legal proceedings in the U.S., appeared in court for a pretrial hearing on Friday. Accused of being an MS-13 member involved in human trafficking, Garcia pleaded not guilty to the charges of trafficking undocumented migrants and conspiring with others to do so.

During the nearly six-hour hearing, Garcia’s legal team informed U.S. Magistrate Judge Barbara Holmes that they had reviewed the indictment and that Garcia understood the accusations against him before entering his plea. The charges stem from a 2022 traffic stop where Garcia was found driving a vehicle with nine passengers, six of whom were identified as being in the country illegally.

Special Agent Peter Joseph testified that Garcia was paid $1,000 per trip and would transport around 50 people per month. Additionally, Joseph alleged that Garcia engaged in inappropriate conduct with underage girls he was transporting, including asking a 15-year-old to send him nude photos.

However, during the defense’s cross-examination, it was revealed that Joseph was not present for some interviews with sources, leading the defense to argue that his testimony was based on hearsay. Despite this, Judge Holmes allowed all the testimony to stand.

Acting U.S. Attorney Robert McGuire argued that Garcia should remain detained pending trial, citing concerns about flight risk and danger to the public. On the other hand, Garcia’s public defenders argued that he has strong ties to the community, has experienced trauma and depression due to his deportation, and poses no flight risk as he would go straight into ICE custody.

The next court hearing date has not been set yet, but Judge Holmes assured that it will be determined soon. This case highlights the complex legal issues surrounding illegal immigration and human trafficking, and it will be closely watched as it progresses through the legal system.