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Trump Posts ‘Proof’ of Migrant’s MS-13 Ties Amid Deportation Controversy
Former President Donald Trump has asserted that he possesses ‘proof’ indicating a deported migrant, who has become a figure of contention for some on the left, is affiliated with the MS-13 gang. Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s case has ignited political polarization, with Republicans describing him as a dangerous individual who should not have been permitted into the country, citing allegations of domestic abuse. Conversely, some Democrats view him as unjustly deported and legally entitled to remain in the United States, further fueling criticism of Trump’s immigration policies.
Trump’s Social Media Post and Tattoo Allegations
Trump appeared to counter his critics by sharing images on social media platform Truth Social, purported to be of Abrego Garcia’s hands displaying knuckle tattoos associated with MS-13.
‘This is the hand of the man that the Democrats feel should be brought back to the United States, because he is such ‘a fine and innocent person,” Trump stated in his post.
The images highlight finger tattoos, including a marijuana leaf, a smiley face, a cross, and a skull. In the altered photo shared by Trump, the letters ‘MS-13’ are digitally superimposed across the knuckles.
However, there is no prior official confirmation of any tattoos signifying gang affiliation. Critics argue that the ‘MS-13’ letters were digitally added, noting the absence of mention of such tattoos in official documents previously used to accuse Abrego Garcia of gang membership.
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Interpretations of the Tattoos
Despite questions surrounding the ‘MS-13’ addition, some have proposed that the existing tattoos are coded symbols. This interpretation suggests the marijuana leaf represents ‘M’, the smiley face ‘S’, the cross is concealing the number ‘1’, and the skull hides the number ‘3’, collectively forming ‘MS-13.’
Political Reactions and Legal Battles
Trump claims this as definitive evidence of Abrego Garcia’s gang membership. ‘They said he is not a member of MS-13, even though he’s got MS-13 tattooed onto his knuckles, and two Highly Respected Courts found that he was a member of MS-13, beat up his wife, etc.,’ he wrote.
The social media post triggered strong reactions from Democrats.
- One critic wrote, ‘This is why you don’t send people to prison without due process. Unscrupulous politicians cannot be the final word.’
- Another commented, ‘This is the guy you want to trust to send people to a gulag without judicial review: a guy who tells blatant falsehoods about the people he’s doing that to.’
Abrego Garcia’s legal team denies any MS-13 connections, asserting he has no criminal convictions. They maintain that allegations of gang affiliation are unfounded.
Domestic Abuse Allegations and Wife’s Statement
While no formal charges were filed, a draft petition indicating domestic violence accusations against Abrego Garcia by his wife was discovered. However, the petition was never officially filed.
Trump asserted, ‘I was elected to take bad people out of the United States, among other things. I must be allowed to do my job. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!’
Senator Van Hollen’s Involvement and El Salvador Visit
Senator Chris Van Hollen has become involved, visiting Abrego Garcia in El Salvador. Representatives for both Senator Van Hollen and Abrego Garcia have been contacted for comment on the situation.
Van Hollen’s visit follows a recent legal development where an appeals court temporarily paused contempt proceedings against the Trump administration related to deportation flights to El Salvador. This stay allows the court to consider the administration’s appeal against a prior ruling.
Senator Van Hollen met with Abrego Garcia in El Salvador after Abrego Garcia was deported in March despite a court order intended to prevent his deportation.
Van Hollen publicized the meeting on social media, also mentioning a call with Abrego Garcia’s wife to convey a message of support.
The senator has not provided updates on Abrego Garcia’s status, as his legal team continues to pursue his return to the U.S.
A spokesperson for the Trump administration criticized Van Hollen’s actions, suggesting misplaced priorities.
‘Chris Van Hollen has firmly established Democrats as the party whose top priority is the welfare of an illegal alien MS-13 terrorist. It is truly disgusting. President Trump will continue to stand on the side of law-abiding Americans,’ stated Kush Desai, a Trump administration spokesperson.
El Salvador President Bukele’s Comments
El Salvadorian President Nayib Bukele also addressed the situation, posting images of the meeting shortly before Van Hollen. Bukele adopted a more confrontational tone, dismissing concerns about Abrego Garcia’s well-being.
Bukele remarked, ‘Kilmar Abrego Garcia, miraculously risen from the `death camps´ & ‘torture,’ now sipping margaritas with Sen. Van Hollen in the tropical paradise of El Salvador!’
Following inquiries, a spokeswoman for El Salvador’s presidency stated she had no additional details to share.
Senator Van Hollen reported being denied entry to a high-security prison in El Salvador during his visit, where he intended to assess Abrego Garcia’s condition and advocate for his release. He stated that his vehicle was stopped by armed forces near the prison, while other vehicles were permitted to pass.
‘They stopped us because they are under orders not to allow us to proceed,’ Van Hollen explained.
Legal History and Deportation Details
Abrego Garcia initially entered the U.S. without authorization in 2011. In 2019, a judge blocked his deportation to El Salvador specifically, citing safety concerns related to gang violence, but permitted deportation to another location.
The Trump administration has acknowledged in court filings that Abrego Garcia’s deportation to El Salvador was an error. The Supreme Court has mandated the Trump administration to facilitate his return to the U.S.
Court Orders and Rule of Law
Recently, a panel of judges from the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a judge’s decision to compel testimony from Trump administration officials, seeking to determine compliance with orders to facilitate Abrego Garcia’s return.
The court issued a strong statement arguing against the Trump administration’s stance that they are unable to assist in freeing Garcia from the El Salvador prison or returning him to the U.S. The court emphasized the importance of the rule of law.
Judge J. Harvie Wilkinson III, a Republican appointee, stated, ‘It is difficult in some cases to get to the very heart of the matter. But in this case, it is not hard at all.’
He added, expressing hope that the Executive Branch recognizes the rule of law as essential to American principles.
Administration’s Stance and Domestic Violence Allegations Revisited
Trump administration officials maintain that Abrego Garcia is not an innocent individual, asserting his MS-13 affiliation justifies his deportation to El Salvador.
Furthermore, the 2021 draft domestic violence petition from Abrego Garcia’s wife, Jennifer Vasquez, surfaced, detailing multiple alleged instances of abuse over several years.
However, Vasquez clarified that the petition was a precautionary measure following a disagreement and concerns based on a previous abusive relationship. She stated to news sources that the situation was resolved privately, including through family counseling.
‘Things did not escalate, and I decided not to follow through with the civil court process. We were able to work through this situation privately as a family, including by going to counseling,’ she explained.
Vasquez added, ‘Our marriage only grew stronger in the years that followed. No one is perfect, and no marriage is perfect.’
Political Fallout and Criticism of Senator Van Hollen
Following Abrego Garcia’s deportation, Democrats have voiced strong objections, leading to Senator Van Hollen’s involvement, including his trip to El Salvador.
Van Hollen’s attempts to secure Abrego Garcia’s release and return to the U.S. have been met with criticism from Republicans and conservative figures.
Critics, including the mother of a victim of crime committed by an undocumented immigrant, have condemned Van Hollen’s focus on Abrego Garcia.
Speaking about Senator Van Hollen, one critic stated, ‘Senator Van Hollen has done more to bring a MS-13 gang member, human trafficker and illegal alien back to Maryland than he has to help keep his American constituents safe or advocate for the victims of these vicious gangs like MS-13.’
The Department of Homeland Security also commented, stating, ‘While Senator Van Hollen and the mainstream media peddle a sob story about a brutal MS-13 gang member, Secretary Noem stands with the victims of illegal alien crime, like Maryland mom Rachel Morin.’
Patty Morin, mother of Rachel Morin, who was murdered, expressed anger at the lack of contact from state officials after her daughter’s death.
In a televised interview, she stated, ‘I’m very angry, I’m outraged. I’m too sad at the moment to show anger at the same time.’
‘He did not call our family, he did not give condolences. There was no action [from] the Democratic party in anyway. From Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, anyone here in Maryland, none of the Senators did anything to help search for the murderer of my daughter.’
Rachel Morin’s killer, Victor Martinez-Hernandez, an undocumented immigrant, was recently convicted of murder, rape, and kidnapping and awaits sentencing.
Abrego Garcia’s Background and Current Status
Abrego Garcia was deported to the CECOT prison in El Salvador on March 15. He originally entered the U.S. in 2011 and was later granted permission to remain in 2019. He established a life in Maryland with his wife and son, who are U.S. citizens.
The Trump administration justified the deportation based on alleged MS-13 connections, which Abrego Garcia’s wife and lawyer refute. They have initiated legal action against the administration for his removal.
Initially, the Trump administration described the deportation as an error. Despite a Supreme Court order to facilitate his return, the administration is maintaining its position.
In a joint appearance, Trump and President Bukele of El Salvador defended their actions regarding Abrego Garcia. Bukele questioned the feasibility of returning Abrego Garcia to the U.S.
‘How can I return him to the United States? I smuggle him into the United States or what do I do? Of course, I’m not going to do it,’ Bukele stated.
‘The question is preposterous. How can I smuggle a terrorist into the United States? I don’t have the power to return him to the United States.’
Trump supported Bukele’s stance and further requested El Salvador to accept more migrants and expand its prison capacity.
‘I just asked the president, you know, it’s this massive complex that he built, a jail complex. I said, ‘Can you build some more of them, please?” Trump recounted.