A routine House Homeland Security Committee hearing on Wednesday took a dramatic turn as Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) introduced evidence claiming Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a recently deported individual, has ties to the notorious MS-13 gang. The revelation led to a fierce exchange between Greene and Rep. Dan Goldman (D-NY), causing a recess and one of the most contentious scenes the committee has witnessed, marked by partisan dissension.
Rep. Greene based her allegations on a variety of sources, including local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities. According to her, these sources have consistently identified Garcia as a gang affiliate. She referred to public records disclosed by Attorney General Pam Bondi, which included assessments from a Maryland county police gang unit, ICE officers, and decisions by an immigration judge and an appellate board.
The controversy escalated as Greene sought to place the documents into the official record. Goldman vehemently objected, insisting on a formal court order as the necessary standard for such proof. Amid Goldman's repeated inquiries regarding a court order, Chairman Mark Green (R-TN) stepped in, reminding the committee that members have the right to submit materials into the record without external consent.
Despite Chairman Green's interjection, Goldman continued to challenge Greene, accusing her of misrepresenting the facts. The debate prompted a brief recess as Democrats questioned the validity of the evidence. Upon reconvening, tensions remained high, with Chairman Green forcefully asserting his authority after being interrupted by Goldman.
Key elements of the disputed documents include social media posts by Bondi, referencing Garcia's criminal history and alleged gang connections. In one instance, Garcia was stopped in Tennessee, driving a vehicle linked to a convicted human trafficker and transporting suspected human trafficking victims. Further records from Maryland revealed Garcia's wife had filed for protection orders, citing domestic violence in the presence of their children. Bondi also highlighted a social worker's report indicating the woman's ex-husband did not want his children around her due to her relationship with a supposed gang member.
While Greene clarified that her intention was to submit the evidence for the record, not to assert Garcia's guilt, the Republicans on the committee argued that the evidence points to a larger issue of illegal immigrant gang members exploiting gaps in U.S. immigration enforcement.
The hearing underscores the deep divisions in Congress regarding the approach to national security threats related to illegal immigration, with Republicans eager to highlight potential dangers and Democrats insisting on stringent evidence before taking action.
