Who Decided to Indict Kilmar Abrego Garcia Over a Years-Old Traffic Stop?
Kilmar Abrego Garcia is facing a federal criminal prosecution over a 2022 traffic stop that prosecutors claim reveals involvement in human smuggling, though defense attorneys argue the charges are retaliatory. A federal judge has expressed skepticism, citing a 'realistic likelihood of vindictiveness' due to Abrego's prior legal victories against deportation. The case hinges on whether the prosecution can prove its actions were based on evidence rather than political motivation, with a ruling expected soon.
- ▪The criminal case against Abrego stems from a 2022 traffic stop in Tennessee that federal prosecutors say links him to human smuggling.
- ▪Judge Waverly Crenshaw found there was a 'realistic likelihood of vindictiveness' in Abrego's prosecution, prompting an evidentiary hearing.
- ▪The DOJ insists the charges are based on evidence, not retaliation, despite Abrego's successful legal challenges against deportation.
- ▪The Maryland investigation into Abrego was reopened after he returned from El Salvador, leading to new charges in Tennessee.
- ▪Crenshaw must decide whether to dismiss the case if the DOJ cannot provide objective evidence countering claims of selective prosecution.
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Who Decided to Indict Kilmar Abrego Garcia Over a Years-Old Traffic Stop? A DOJ prosecutor insists he charged Abrego based strictly on evidence of human smuggling. A federal judge seems skeptical. Liliana Segura April 28 2026, 4:09 a.m. Share Copy link Share on Facebook Share on Bluesky Share on X Share on LinkedIn Share on WhatsApp Kilmar Abrego Garcia, center, and his wife Jennifer Vasquez Sura, left, arrive at the federal courthouse Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. Photo: George Walker IV/AP More than a year after Kilmar Abrego Garcia won at the U.S. Supreme Court — forcing the Trump administration to bring him back from El Salvador — federal officials can’t seem to decide what, exactly, they want to do with him.
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