New documents detail government’s case that mistakenly deported man was a gang member

The Trump administration has disclosed new information on Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland man mistakenly deported to El Salvador a month ago due to an “administrative error.” Documents released by the administration aimed to prove Abrego Garcia’s alleged affiliation with the MS-13 gang, which led to his transfer to a notorious prison in El Salvador. The newly shared records detail how Maryland police labeled Abrego Garcia as a gang member during a 2019 arrest, despite his lack of criminal history at the time. Abrego Garcia denies the gang membership accusation.

During the 2019 encounter, Prince George’s County Police approached Abrego Garcia and three others for loitering at a Home Depot parking lot. Police pointed to his attire and symbols as indicative of Hispanic gang culture, citing consultation with a confidential source. Abrego Garcia, who was previously granted temporary stay in the U.S. due to fear of persecution in El Salvador, was eventually deported in 2025 after being stopped by immigration agents.

The Supreme Court ordered the government to facilitate Abrego Garcia’s release from prison, with Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele expressing reluctance to comply. Abrego Garcia’s lawyers emphasize his lack of criminal convictions and call for a fair legal process. Despite claims of his gang membership, Abrego Garcia argues that the evidence is unreliable and based on hearsay.

In addition to the new disclosures, it was revealed that Abrego Garcia’s wife sought a protective order against him in 2021, which was later dismissed. She has been advocating for his return and criticizes his deportation to a country where he faced danger. Legal battles continue as the Trump administration appeals a court order to facilitate Abrego Garcia’s return to the U.S.

U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis has raised concerns about the evidence used to link Abrego Garcia to the MS-13 gang, noting his clean record and the lack of substantial proof. Xinis has threatened contempt proceedings against the government for failing to comply with the court’s orders regarding Abrego Garcia’s release.