Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran national previously deported, has returned to the United States, this time in custody. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that Abrego Garcia, aged 29, is now facing federal charges related to human smuggling and conspiracy. “Abrego Garcia has landed in the United States to face justice,” Bondi stated, highlighting the charges brought by a grand jury in Tennessee.
The indictment against him reveals his significant involvement in a human smuggling ring that operated for nearly ten years. Bondi described Abrego Garcia as a full-time smuggler who conducted over 100 trips, transporting various individuals, including women, children, and those affiliated with the MS-13 gang. These explicit activities are laid out in the sealed indictment, which includes two felony counts.
Bodycam footage from the Tennessee Highway Patrol in 2022 shows Abrego Garcia being pulled over for speeding. The troopers discovered eight other men in his vehicle, raising immediate suspicions about his intentions. “He’s hauling these people for money,” one trooper remarked during the stop.
Inside his vehicle, $1,400 in cash was found, and Abrego Garcia was flagged in the National Crime Information Center for a gang and terrorism alert. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was alerted but did not respond to the situation. Bondi questioned, “What’s changed since then?” pointing to the secure borders under President Donald Trump.
The grand jury further heard accusations that Abrego Garcia trafficked firearms and narcotics and solicited explicit images of a minor. Additionally, a co-conspirator accused him of involvement in the murder of a rival gang member’s mother. Each charge of trafficking could lead to up to 10 years in prison for Abrego Garcia.
Attorney General Bondi expressed gratitude to El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele for his cooperation with the U.S. government, ensuring Abrego Garcia’s return. “This is what American justice looks like,” Bondi asserted. Her statement underscores the collaborative efforts between the two nations to address serious criminal activities.
Former President Trump commented on the situation while aboard Air Force One, endorsing the Department of Justice’s decision. “Yeah, [the] man has a horrible past and I could see a decision being made. Bring him back. Show everybody how horrible this guy is,” Trump said, stressing the need for justice.
The case also sparked controversy when Abrego Garcia was deported to El Salvador in March, criticized by many left-leaning politicians. Senator Chris Van Hollen expressed opposition, accusing the Trump Administration of ignoring court orders and constitutional rights. Van Hollen even traveled to El Salvador to visit Abrego Garcia, which drew widespread backlash.
Van Hollen maintained that his concerns were about constitutional rights, not the individual. “The Administration will now have to make its case in the court of law, as it should have all along,” he concluded. This statement emphasizes his commitment to legal processes and fairness.
Court documents from Maryland confirmed compliance with a preliminary injunction ordering Abrego Garcia’s return to the U.S. “Abrego Garcia was returned to the United States today, to stand trial,” federal attorneys confirmed. This return marks a critical step in addressing the charges against him.
The Trump administration released a statement condemning Democrat lawmakers and media for defending Abrego Garcia. They emphasized that Abrego Garcia was not an innocent figure but a dangerous criminal. “Democrat lawmakers like Senator Chris Van Hollen and the so-called ‘journalists’ who defended this criminal must immediately apologize to his victims,” the statement read.
Following his deportation, Abrego Garcia was reportedly sent to El Salvador’s notorious CECOT mega-prison. This occurred despite a 2019 court order temporarily blocking his removal over fears of persecution. Abrego Garcia unlawfully entered the U.S. in 2011 and was ordered deported in 2019.
Abrego Garcia will be arraigned next week, with an interpreter translating court documents for him. The hearing is scheduled for June 13 at 10 a.m. CT. Judge Barbara Holmes ruled to keep him detained until arraignment, citing his flight risk due to a violent history and ties to criminal organizations.
Until then, Abrego Garcia will remain in the custody of U.S. Marshals. Public defender Will Allensworth is representing him in this case. These proceedings mark the beginning of what promises to be a closely watched legal battle.
Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem criticized the media and Democrats for their portrayal of Abrego Garcia. She emphasized the overwhelming evidence against him, noting his indictment for human smuggling and conspiracy. “Justice awaits this Salvadoran man,” Noem declared, signaling confidence in the judicial process.
Fox News’ Adam Sabes contributed to this report. Jasmine, a writer at Fox News Digital and a military spouse based in New Orleans, compiled this story. For more news stories, Jasmine can be contacted at jasmine.baehr@fox.com.
