A newly released DHS report details allegations that Kilmar Abrego Garcia was involved in human trafficking and affiliated with the MS-13 gang as political figures continue to push for his return.

By yourNEWS Media Newsroom

A newly obtained memo from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has revealed that Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the Salvadoran national at the center of political controversy, was suspected of involvement in human trafficking and had been identified as a member of the violent MS-13 gang.

Abrego Garcia, who was living illegally in Maryland, was ordered deported by an immigration judge in 2019. Following his removal, he is currently being held at El Salvador’s maximum-security CECOT prison.

According to a Fox News report, Abrego Garcia was pulled over by the Tennessee Highway Patrol in December 2022 after being observed speeding and unable to maintain his lane. The trooper discovered eight individuals inside the vehicle with Abrego Garcia, all of whom reported the same residential address as the driver, and there was no luggage, which prompted suspicions of labor trafficking.

The DHS memo states that Abrego Garcia told officers he was driving from Houston, Texas, to Temple Hills, Maryland, to perform construction work. The report further noted that Abrego Garcia “pretended to speak less English than he was capable of” and attempted to mislead officers during the encounter. Though only issued a warning for an expired license, no citations were filed, and the names of the passengers were not fully recorded.

Beyond the traffic stop, an investigation by the Prince Georges County Police Gang Unit in 2019 officially identified Abrego Garcia as a member of the Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) gang, an organization President Donald Trump has designated as a terrorist group.

Additional court documents released this week reveal that Abrego Garcia also has a history of domestic violence, having reportedly assaulted his wife multiple times.

The Department of Justice confirmed during a court hearing that if Abrego Garcia were to reach a U.S. port of entry, he would immediately be taken into custody and deported back to El Salvador.

Despite the serious allegations, Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland traveled to El Salvador this week to advocate for Abrego Garcia’s release. After being denied entry to the CECOT prison, Van Hollen met separately with Abrego Garcia and later posted a photograph of their meeting, stating, “I have called his wife, Jennifer, to pass along his message of love,” referencing a relationship marked by documented abuse.

Van Hollen’s post can be viewed here.

I said my main goal of this trip was to meet with Kilmar. Tonight I had that chance. I have called his wife, Jennifer, to pass along his message of love. I look forward to providing a full update upon my return. pic.twitter.com/U9y2gZpxCb

— Senator Chris Van Hollen (@ChrisVanHollen) April 18, 2025

The memo’s revelations raise further questions about the priorities of U.S. political figures advocating for individuals with serious criminal allegations while immigration enforcement officials highlight the dangers posed by individuals affiliated with transnational criminal organizations like MS-13.