U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem has criticized a decision by U.S. District Court Judge Paula Xinis that allowed Kilmar Abrego Garcia, identified as an MS-13 gang member and accused of multiple crimes, to be released rather than detained by immigration authorities.
In a statement, Secretary Noem said:
“Activist liberal judges have attempted to obstruct our law enforcement every step of the way in removing the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens from our country. Today, we reached a new low with this publicity hungry Maryland judge mandating this illegal alien who is a MS-13 gang member, human trafficker, serial domestic abuser, and child predator be allowed free.
By ordering this monster loose on America’s streets, this judge has shown a complete disregard for the safety of the American people. We will not stop fighting till this Salvadoran man faces justice and is OUT of our country.”
Court records indicate that Abrego Garcia was validated as an MS-13 gang member by Prince Georges County Police Gang Unit in 2019 after being arrested with cash, drugs, and two other suspected gang members. In December 2022, he was stopped by Tennessee Highway Patrol for speeding; officers reported eight other individuals in his vehicle without luggage and noted all passengers gave the same home address as Abrego Garcia, leading to suspicions of human trafficking.
Additional allegations against Abrego Garcia include domestic violence claims made by his wife Jennifer Vasquez, who sought an order of protection citing physical abuse. He is also described as an undocumented immigrant from El Salvador. Court filings state that he solicited nude photographs from a minor.
The Department of Homeland Security asserts that these facts give Immigration and Customs Enforcement legal authority to initiate removal proceedings against him.