Newly released records confirm that Kilmar Armando Abrego-Garcia, a native of El Salvador, was arrested in Maryland in 2019 during an active investigation into Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) gang activity. According to police documents, Abrego-Garcia was detained while associating with known high-ranking members of the transnational criminal organization.

We are releasing additional information on Kilmar Abrego Garcia.https://t.co/RbZkFvuRaf

— Attorney General Pamela Bondi (@AGPamBondi) April 16, 2025

The arrest occurred on March 28, 2019, in the parking lot of a Home Depot in Hyattsville. Detectives from the Hyattsville City Police observed four individuals loitering near vehicles, including Abrego-Garcia and two others identified as ranking MS-13 members. All were taken in for questioning. According to gang intelligence officers, Abrego-Garcia was wearing clothing indicative of MS-13 symbolism, including a Chicago Bulls cap and apparel reflecting the gang’s “see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil” credo.

A confidential source with a reliable history confirmed that Abrego-Garcia held the rank of “Chequeo” within the Western Clique of MS-13. He later admitted to entering the U.S. illegally near McAllen, Texas, in 2012 and possessed no legal immigration documents.

This is not a “Maryland man” this is an illegal alien from El Salvador whom two judges have ruled is part of MS-13, a foreign terrorist organization.

El Salvador doesn’t want to give him back—nor do we want him back. pic.twitter.com/CouI9cVwwI

— Attorney General Pamela Bondi (@AGPamBondi) April 15, 2025

Following his arrest, Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers confirmed his unlawful presence in the United States. A bond request was denied in April 2019 by an Immigration Judge, who cited Abrego-Garcia’s status as a public safety threat and a likely flight risk. That decision was upheld on appeal the following month.

Despite prior public denials by Democratic lawmakers suggesting no gang ties existed, the Prince George’s County Police Department’s gang validation, combined with testimony, intelligence reports, and court rulings, present clear evidence of Abrego-Garcia’s affiliation with MS-13.

His case raises ongoing concerns about the federal government’s ability to screen illegal entrants and the political narratives used to downplay transnational gang threats.