Criminal charges are mounting against Kilmar Abrego Garcia, an alleged MS-13 gang member, just days after a Maryland senator Chris Van Hollen traveled to El Salvador in a high-profile effort to advocate for his return. The case has sparked national controversy, with critics blasting the senator’s involvement amid Garcia’s violent history.
Homeland Security emphasized Garcia’s criminal past, saying he was “not the upstanding ‘Maryland Man’ the media has portrayed.” The official account shared court filings on the social media platform X:
Kilmar Abrego Garcia had a history of violence and was not the upstanding “Maryland Man” the media has portrayed him as.
— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) April 16, 2025
According to court filings, Garcia’s wife sought a domestic violence restraining order against him, claiming he punched, scratched, and ripped off her shirt,… pic.twitter.com/FpSV0k3i90
At a White House press briefing, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt brought out the mother of Rachel Morin — a Maryland woman murdered last year — underscoring the administration’s stance on violent offenders and illegal immigration. Attorney General Pam Bondi cited extensive evidence linking Garcia to MS-13, including confirmations by ICE officers, local police, and immigration courts.
The evidence shows Kilmar Abrego Garcia has repeatedly been identified as a member of MS-13 by:
— Attorney General Pamela Bondi (@AGPamBondi) April 17, 2025
⁃ A Maryland county police gang unit
⁃ A reliable confidential informant
⁃ ICE officers
⁃ An immigration judge agreed
⁃ An appellate board agreed pic.twitter.com/ym0X4tYSAe
