U.S. Department of Homeland Security Weekly Digest Bulletin

Secretary Noem Announces Relaunch of Office for Victims of Immigration Crime Shuttered by Biden 04/09/2025 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Office of Public Affairs Secretary Noem Announces Relaunch of Office for Victims of Immigration Crime Shuttered by Biden The Trump Administration is standing up for Americans who were victims of illegal alien crimes.    WASHINGTON – Today, Secretary Noem announced that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is relaunching the Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement (VOICE) office. The VOICE office was shuttered by the previous administration, which left victims of alien crime without access to many key support services and resources.     The Trump administration is once again putting Americans first and standing up for law and order by reinstating the VOICE office within Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE).   A statement from Secretary Noem is below:     “I met with Angel Families who lost a loved one because of an illegal alien who should never have been in our country. The previous administration ignored these families and the other victims of illegal alien crime. With the re-launching of the VOICE Office, we are giving victims and their families access to resources and support services. President Trump and I will continue to remove criminal illegal aliens from our streets and make America safe again.”    A statement from ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons is below:     “Illegal aliens harming American citizens is unconscionable. But now, thanks to President Trump, we’re able to help people victimized by criminal aliens through the VOICE Office. I’m extremely proud of ICE’s entire workforce — the officers and agents on the ground who are enforcing immigration law fairly, the support staff who pull these operations together and handle logistics, and those who help shine a light on those who have suffered harm at illegal aliens’ hands.”   The VOICE Office helps victims of crime and their families by:  Helping victims follow and understand the immigration enforcement and removal process.   Signing up victims to receive automated custody status information on criminal aliens in ICE custody.   Providing additional criminal or immigration history about illegal aliens to victims or their families.   Explaining where a victim may have the opportunity to provide a victim impact statement in applicable cases.   Giving access to social service professionals and local contacts who can help connect victims to resources and service providers.  The office was first launched in 2017 by the Trump administration as a dedicated resource for those who have been victimized by crime that has a nexus to immigration.   # # # Secretary Noem Reminds Foreign Nationals to Register Under Longstanding Federal Law or Face Legal Penalties 04/11/2025 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Office of Public Affairs Secretary Noem Reminds Foreign Nationals to Register Under Longstanding Federal Law or Face Legal Penalties WASHINGTON - On Thursday, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem reminded all foreign nationals present in the United Stated longer than 30 days that the deadline to register under the Alien Registration Act is coming up on April 11.  This law requires all aliens in the United States for more than 30 days to register with the federal government. Failure to comply is a crime, punishable by fines, imprisonment, or both. “President Trump and I have a clear message for those in our country illegally: leave now. If you leave now, you may have the opportunity to return and enjoy our freedom and live the American dream,” said Secretary Noem. “The Trump administration will enforce all our immigration laws—we will not pick and choose which laws we will enforce. We must know who is in our country for the safety and security of our homeland and all Americans.” BACKGROUND: On January 20, 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion, directing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to restore order and accountability to our immigration system. This includes enforcing the long-ignored Alien Registration Act. COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS: On or by April 11, 2025, the following will apply to all noncitizens, regardless of status: Present in the U.S. for 30 days or more as of April 11, 2025, without registration evidence: Register immediately via USCIS. Entering on or after April 11, 2025, without registration evidence: Register within 30 days of arrival. Turning 14 in the U.S.: Re-register and submit fingerprints within 30 days of your 14th birthday, even if previously registered. Parents or guardians of minors under 14: Register minors if they remain in the U.S. for 30 days or longer. Upon registration and fingerprinting, DHS will issue proof of registration. All noncitizens 18 and older must carry this documentation at all times. This administration has directed DHS to prioritize enforcement, there will be no sanctuary for noncompliance. # # # DHS Responds to New York Times Misleading Reporting on Alfredo Orellana 04/11/2025 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Office of Public Affairs DHS Responds to New York Times Misleading Reporting on Alfredo Orellana WASHINGTON - Today, Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin released the following statement regarding the New York Times’s misleading reporting on the arrest of Alfredo Orellana. “The New York Times conveniently failed to mention the full extent of Alfredo Orellana’s criminal history, which includes distributing drugs, drug possession, assault and battery, failure to appear to court (twice), theft at the second degree, and larceny. The New York Times is more interested in fake sob stories than facts,” said Assistant Secretary McLaughlin. “It is a privilege to be granted a green card to live and work in the United States of America—not a right—and if you are charged with crimes, you are subject to revocation of that privilege." # # # DHS Announces New Ad Campaign for Secret Service Recruitment 04/14/2025 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Office of Public Affairs DHS Announces New Ad Campaign for Secret Service Recruitment  Ad Features 13-year-old Secret Service Agent DJ Daniel  WASHINGTON - Today, Secretary Kristi Noem announced a new ad campaign to encourage the recruitment of United States Secret Service agents.      The commercial features 13-year-old Secret Service Agent DJ Daniel, who was recently presented his badge and credentials by U.S. Secret Service Director Sean Curran during President Donald Trump’s Address to the Joint Session of Congress.      “When others step back, the United States Secret Service steps forward. Shielding America from unseen threats, with sharp eyes, and steadfast courage. When you serve with us, even when no one sees you someone is always looking up to you," Secretary Noem says in the ad. “The United States Secret Service is calling for a few more heroes. Will you step forward?”    This release follows another recent recruitment ad which aired during Super Bowl LIX.     Watch the video now, and if you’re ready to step forward and join our agency, visit https://www.secretservice.gov/careers.   # # # ICYMI: DHS Sets the Record Straight about Kilmar Abrego Garcia 04/14/2025 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Office of Public Affairs ICYMI: DHS Sets the Record Straight about Kilmar Abrego Garcia Washington, D.C.— Today, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem set the record straight about Kilmar Abrego Garcia in light of misleading mainstream media reports. “This was just one of those examples of an individual that is a MS-13 gang member, multiple charges and encounters with the individuals here, trafficking in his background, was found with other MS-13 gang members—very dangerous person, and what the liberal left and fake news are doing to turn him into a media darling is sickening,” said Secretary Noem.      In addition, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia Mclaughlin reaffirmed that this MS-13 terrorist gang member is where he belongs. “I think this illegal alien is exactly where he belongs—home in El Salvador. He was in our country illegally, he is from El Salvador, was born in El Salvador, and, oh, the media forgot to mention: He is a MS-13 gang member. The media would love for you to believe that this is a media darling, that he is just a Maryland father. Osama Bin Laden was also a father, and yet, he was not a good guy, and they actually are both terrorists. He should be in this El Salvador prison, a prison for terrorists, and I hope he will remain there.”     White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller also highlighted the President’s authority to deport Abrego Garcia today from the Oval Office.  “The Supreme Court said the district court order was unlawful and its main components were unlawful and reversed 9-0 unanimously, stating clearly that neither the Secretary of State or President could be compelled by anybody to forcibly retrieve a citizen of El Salvador from El Salvador who, again, is a member of MS-13, which—as I’m sure you understand—rapes little girls, murders women, murders children, is engaged in barbaric activities in the world. And I can promise you if he was your neighbor, you would move right away.”   # # # While Mainstream Media Defends MS-13 Gang Member, DHS Stands with the Victims of Illegal Alien Crimes   04/15/2025 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Office of Public Affairs While Mainstream Media Defends MS-13 Gang Member, DHS Stands with the Victims of Illegal Alien Crimes   Yesterday, a jury found Rachel Morin’s killer, an illegal alien from El Salvador, guilty in less than an hour    WASHINGTON – While the mainstream media continues to peddle a sob story about a member of the brutal MS-13 gang who was in our country illegally, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem stands with the victims of illegal alien crime.      Yesterday, a Maryland jury found Rachel Morins killer, an illegal alien from El Salvador guilty in less than an hour.     “Rachel Morin's killer was found guilty for her brutal murder,” said Secretary Noem. “This criminal illegal alien should have never been in our country in the first place. Rachel should still be here watching her five children grow up. She was a victim of open border policies that prioritized illegal aliens over the safety of American citizens. We hear far too much in the mainstream media about sob stories of gang members and criminal illegals and not enough about their victims.”    Last week, Secretary Noem re-opened the Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement (VOICE) office. This office was first launched in 2017 by the Trump administration as a dedicated resource for those who have been victimized by crime that has a nexus to immigration. The Biden Administration shuttered the office, leaving victims and their families without access to key resources and support services.   If you or a loved one has been impacted by a crime committed by an illegal alien, you are not alone. Call 1-855-48-VOICE (1-855-488-6423)  ###      Secretary Noem Terminates $2.7 Million in DHS Grants; Orders Harvard to Prove Compliance with Foreign Student Requirements 04/16/2025 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Office of Public Affairs Secretary Noem Terminates $2.7 Million in DHS Grants; Orders Harvard to Prove Compliance with Foreign Student Requirements WASHINGTON – Today, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced the cancelation of two DHS grants totaling over $2.7 million to Harvard University, declaring it unfit to be entrusted with taxpayer dollars. The Secretary also wrote a scathing letter demanding detailed records on Harvard’s foreign student visa holders’ illegal and violent activities by April 30, 2025, or face immediate loss of Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification. “Harvard bending the knee to antisemitism — driven by its spineless leadership — fuels a cesspool of extremist riots and threatens our national security,” said Secretary Noem. “With anti-American, pro-Hamas ideology poisoning its campus and classrooms, Harvard’s position as a top institution of higher learning is a distant memory. America demands more from universities entrusted with taxpayer dollars.” The $800,303 Implementation Science for Targeted Violence Prevention grant branded conservatives as far-right dissidents in a shockingly skewed study. The $1,934,902 Blue Campaign Program Evaluation and Violence Advisement grant funded Harvard’s public health propaganda. Both undermine America’s values and security. This action follows President Donald J. Trump’s decision to freeze $2.2 billion in federal funding to Harvard University, proposing the revocation of its tax-exempt status over its radical ideology. Since Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, Harvard’s foreign visa-holding rioters and faculty have spewed antisemitic hate, targeting Jewish students. With a $53.2 billion endowment, Harvard can fund its own chaos—DHS won’t. And if Harvard cannot verify it is in full compliance with its reporting requirements, the university will lose the privilege of enrolling foreign students. # # # THE REAL STORY: Kilmar Abrego Garcia is an MS-13 Gang member with a History of Violence  04/16/2025 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Office Name Here   THE REAL STORY: Kilmar Abrego Garcia is an MS-13 Gang member with a History of Violence  “We hear far too much in the mainstream media about sob stories of gang members and criminal illegals and not enough about their victims.” - Secretary Noem  WASHINGTON – The mainstream media has peddled a sob story about Kilmar Abrego Garcia. The facts are he is an illegal alien from El Salvador, a MS-13 gang member, and has a history of violence. FAST FACTS: 1. When Garcia was arrested, he was found with rolls of cash and drugs. 2. He was arrested with two other members of MS-13. 3. When arrested, he was wearing a sweatshirt with roles of money covering the ears, mouth, and eyes of presidents on various currency denominations. This is a known MS-13 gang symbol of see no evil, hear no evil, say no evil. 4. Two judges found that he was a member of MS-13. That finding has not been disturbed. 5. Intelligence reports found that he was involved in human trafficking. 6. He is an illegal alien from El Salvador. 7. He claimed fear of being returned to El Salvador because he would be persecuted by MS-13's rival gang, Barrio-18. 8. Jennifer Vasquez, Garcia’s wife, petitioned for an order of protection against him. She claimed he punched her, scratched her, and ripped off her shirt, and bruised her.     BOTTOM LINE: Kilmar Abrego Garcia is a violent criminal illegal alien and MS-13 gang member. He belongs behind bars and off American soil. # # # ICYMI: Angel Moms Patty Morin and Tammy Nobles Share Personal Accounts of Illegal Alien Crime 04/17/2025 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Office of Public Affairs   ICYMI: Angel Moms Patty Morin and Tammy Nobles Share Personal Accounts of Illegal Alien Crime  “Border policies that prioritized criminal illegal aliens over American citizens. President Trump and I are putting the safety of Americans first.” - Secretary Kristi Noem WASHINGTON – Today, Angel Moms Patty Morin and Tammy Nobles shared their personal accounts of illegal alien crime. Patty Morin’s daughter, Rachel, was brutally murdered by an illegal alien from El Salvador who was found guilty this week. Tammy Noble’s daughter, Kayla, was murdered by a MS-13 gang member from El Salvador. Watch the full interview here. Patty Morin and Tammy Nobles highlighted that many illegal aliens in the country are brutal criminals that are public safety threats who should not be loose on American streets. PATTY MORIN: “There is also a majority amongst them that are criminals from other countries that have no regard for life at all. And I wanted people to understand just how brutal that they are and how they can just take a life without even giving it a second thought. And that this is a safety issue, and it is I believe, a national security issue, having all these criminals in our country.” TAMMY NOBLES: “It comes from the love of my child and to make sure that no one else will suffer the way that Kayla did. Also, what she went through, she was sleeping in her bed, he broke into her room and strangled her. Everything is caught on voicemail. He beat her and raped her after he killed her.” Neither Patty Morin or Tammy Nobles have heard from Democrats about the tragic and brutal murders of their young daughters. PATTY MORIN: “I’ve heard no response from any Democrats. I’ve received some threatening phone calls, but I received no response from anybody. They’re ignoring it. It’s kind of like a little toddler, if I don’t look at you, you can’t see me. Or if I don’t look at that, I didn’t do that kind of thing. They are ignoring it.” TAMMY NOBLES: “They never reached out to me even after Kayla was murdered and we found it was a 16-year-old known MS-13 gang member. The Democratic Party has never looked at her pictures when I testified in Congress. They never looked at her photos or said her name. And they always say the same thing, ‘Oh the Republicans are using you as a political stunt or I’m sorry, for your condolences.’ That’s all they had to offer. They did not offer any solutions on the ongoing problem.” American leaders should be protecting American citizens. It’s common sense. PATTY MORIN: “We should be protecting life, we should be protecting American citizens, that’s why you’re elected, that’s why we pay taxes. They are so out of touch with the American people, it boggles my mind.” BOTTOM LINE: President Trump and Secretary Noem stand with the victims of illegal alien crime and are putting the safety of American citizens first. # # # DHS marks one-year milestone of Know2Protect® campaign, strengthening nationwide efforts to combat online child exploitation 04/17/2025 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Office of Public Affairs DHS marks one-year milestone of Know2Protect® campaign, strengthening nationwide efforts to combat online child exploitation WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) celebrated the one-year anniversary of its Know2Protect: Together We Can Stop Online Child Exploitation ™ public awareness campaign. Since its inception, the Know2Protect campaign, housed within the DHS Cyber Crimes Center (C3), has had a profound impact, reaching millions through traditional and digital media channels. The campaign has empowered young people, parents, educators, corporations, and community leaders with essential resources to prevent and report online child sexual exploitation and abuse (CSEA). “At the Department of Homeland Security, our mission is to protect the American people, and that includes protecting our children. The internet has completely changed how we connect, but it has also opened new doors for predators who want to harm our kids,” said DHS Secretary Kristi Noem. “It’s a topic that should unite all of us, and I appreciate the opportunity to highlight the work of Homeland Security Investigations and all that they do to combat online child exploitation.” The threat of online child exploitation has never been bigger or more sophisticated. DHS increased the footprint of law enforcement partners at C3, last year, to enhance coordination across all DHS agencies and offices to combat cyber-related crimes and further the Department’s mission to combat online CSEA. In 2024, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) identified and arrested nearly 5,000 individuals involved in online CSEA, while also recovering over 1,700 child victims. In the same year, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received more than 20 million reports of online child sexual abuse material. By providing comprehensive tools on Know2Protect.gov, the campaign has become a powerful force in raising awareness about the severe risks children face online, while emphasizing prevention, safety measures, and offering critical support for survivors. Since its inception last year, the campaign has made a tangible impact through its outreach efforts—resulting in 128 victim disclosures and over 90 investigative leads in the fight against online child exploitation. Know2Protect’s work to coordinate federal efforts to combat online child exploitation and abuse has made an astounding impact across the world. The campaign has achieved more than a half a billion (683M) impressions online, with 18% of the impressions coming from donated advertising dollars from campaign partners such as Google, Snapchat, X, Lamar, Meta and Roblox. “We all have a responsibility to protect children from online exploitation,” said Head of Global Government Affairs at X, Romina Khananisho. “As the global town square, X is proud to partner with DHS’ Cyber Crimes Center to support the Know2Protect campaign. We commit to raising awareness about all the tools available to combat child exploitation and encourage all our users to join us in this critical mission by sharing the information with your communities." Expanded Partnership Efforts The K2P campaign’s success is fueled by partnerships with leading technology companies, major sports leagues, youth-serving organizations, law enforcement associations and other private sector partners. These collaborations have expanded Know2Protect’s reach, delivering its vital message to young people across social media platforms, sporting events, and community organizations, ensuring it resonates wherever they live, learn, and play. Past and current partners like Snap, Meta, X, and Roblox have played a crucial role in disseminating safety messages to their vast user bases, while NASCAR and the NFL have supported the campaign by integrating Know2Protect PSAs and other materials into their events. "Snap congratulates the Department of Homeland Security on the first anniversary of its impactful Know2Protect public awareness campaign,” said Jacqueline Beauchere, Global Head of Platform Safety at Snap Inc., the parent company of Snapchat. “Snap was the first entity to support the campaign in 2024, commissioning bespoke research, offering free ad space on Snapchat for educational campaign materials, and creating a fun Snapchat Lens to promote learning and engagement. We applaud and join in the Department's efforts to educate youth, parents, policymakers, and others about the risks of child sexual exploitation and abuse both online and off." "At Meta, we’ve spent over a decade building tools to fight criminals who try to exploit young people online,” said Meta’s Global Head of Safety, Antigone Davis. “To complement our in-app protections and make them even more effective, it’s important that young people also feel confident to spot the signs of online harm and know where to go for help. That’s why we’ve also been focused on educational campaigns for teens and parents, and why we’re proud to continue supporting the Department of Homeland Security’s vital Know2Protect campaign as it moves into its second year.” Education and Support Know2Protect’s educational initiative, Project iGuardian, provides direct training to schools, community groups, and organizations to help identify and address online safety risks. As the official in-person training program of the Know2Protect campaign, Project iGuardian is led by Homeland Security Investigations and offers presentations to children, teens, parents, and trusted adults. Since its re-launch in October 2023, Project iGuardian has conducted nearly 2,000 presentations, reaching over 200,000 people both domestically and internationally. “We know it is critical to provide children, parents, and caregivers with access to resources and information on how to report crimes targeting children online,” said Director of Global Programs at Google.org, Amanda Timberg. “We are proud to once again donate Google Search and YouTube ad credits to promote the Department of Homeland Security’s Know2Protect campaign to raise awareness on the issue and to help children stay safe online." More Accomplishments The campaign has achieved several notable milestones over the last year, including: 2024 Cannes Corporate Media & TV Awards Finalist for its 90-second PSA. 2024 Homeland Security Today Holiday Hero Award where the campaign was honored with the Most Innovative Campaign to Combat Child Exploitation. 2024-2025 school year #Back2School sub-campaign, featuring engaging and educational resources for teens and family members in the form of crossword puzzles, word searches, Project iGuardian coloring pages, a first day of school picture sign, Family Online Safety Agreement, Internet Safety Checklist, and printable safety posters and tipsheets for schools to display in classrooms and hallways. The release of nine new videos, including the widely popular 90-second PSA on the dangers of online CSEA, which has accumulated 6.8 million views on YouTube and 14.8 million impressions through TV advertising. Other key releases include the Sexting and Sextortion PSA, as well as 15- and 30-second PSAs highlighting how quickly online interactions can take dangerous turns. These have also aired on the NFL Network and at NASCAR events, significantly extending the reach of the Know2Protect message. The campaign also recently released a 60-second PSA focusing on how online exploitation happens and why we need the public’s help. The launch of the K2P Kids and Teens Portal, a dedicated space for children and teens aged 10 and up, offering age-appropriate tips and resources to help them protect themselves online. The impactful activation of partnerships across the technology, sports, social media, and gaming industries, including: Snapchat Lens activation. K2P activations at high-profile events like the Daytona 500, NASCAR Talladega 24, NFL Flag Championship 2024, MLB and MLS All-Star Games 2024, having a presence at the NFL Super Bowl Experience and a NASCAR Kids newsletter feature. Scouting America and Know2Protect unveiled a special Project iGuardian scouting patch that honors the commitment of scouts who attend the DHS-led online safety training and who pledge to keep themselves and others safe online. Upcoming Initiatives Know2Protect is taking bold steps to further amplify its impact and continue the fight against online CSEA. Upcoming initiatives and events will provide even more opportunities for individuals and organizations to get involved and take action, including: A Project iGuardian presentation livestream on X for parents, trusted adults and teens, hosted by country music star John Rich — tune in April 23 at 8 p.m. EST and learn how you can help keep children safe online. Be sure to follow @Know2Protect on X so you don’t miss it! June marks Internet Safety Month and there’s no better time to reinforce the importance of setting healthy online boundaries. Know2Protect’s #DigitalBoundaries sub-campaign continues DHS’s momentum to educate and empower children, teens, parents and trusted adults to prevent and combat online CSEA by setting healthy online boundaries during the summer months when kids will have time to spend online. In August 2025, the campaign will launch Pledge2Protect, the official, nationwide call-to-action of the Know2Protect campaign. The goal of Pledge2Protect will be to galvanize communities to take action by taking the pledge to prevent crimes of exploitation targeting kids online. Parents, teens and kids will have the opportunity to take the pledge, receive age-appropriate resources, and share that knowledge with others by passing the pledge. It's time to move from awareness to action—help us prevent online exploitation and implement life-saving strategies. A variety of previously signed partners are expected to continue their official partnership with Know2Protect. Know2Protect welcomes its new partnerships with X, American Camp Association, Panini America, Kodex and Simple Learning Systems. "As we mark the one-year anniversary of the Know2Protect campaign, it’s clear that protecting children from online exploitation demands a united, collective effort,” said Noem. “I urge more organizations to join us in this urgent mission—because every partnership brings us one step closer to eradicating this devastating crime.” Know2Protect is working hand-in-hand with private sector leaders, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations to execute this nationwide campaign. To learn more about becoming an official Know2Protect partner, visit www.dhs.gov/know2protect/partnerships "Know2Protect is not just about raising awareness—it’s about sparking real, impactful change,” Noem said. “Backed by our powerful partnerships, this campaign is equipping communities with critical tools to protect children from online predators while also safeguarding against exploitation before it happens. Together, we are making a tangible difference in the fight to prevent further victimization." Early intervention is critical. If you suspect a child may be a victim of online CSEA, call the Know2Protect Tipline at 1-833-591-KNOW (5669) or visit the NCMEC CyberTipline™. If you believe a child has been abducted or is in immediate danger, contact local law enforcement and the NCMEC Tipline at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678). # # # Know2Protect (K2P) is a national public awareness campaign from the Department of Homeland Security. K2P’s aim is to educate and empower children, teens, parents, trusted adults, and policymakers to prevent, combat, and report online child sexual exploitation and abuse. For more information, please visit our YouTube playlists at Know2Protect Campaign PSA Playlist and Know2Protect Digital Safety Series Playlist on the DHS main channel. Additional resources are available at know2protect.gov and @Know2Protect on Instagram, Facebook and X). DHS Releases Bombshell Investigative Report on Kilmar Abrego Garcia Suspected Trafficking Incident 04/18/2025 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Office of Public Affairs   DHS Releases Bombshell Investigative Report on Kilmar Abrego Garcia Suspected Trafficking Incident    WASHINGTON – Today, the Department of Homeland Security released a Homeland Security Investigations’ Combined Intelligence Unit (CIU) Investigative Referral report on Kilmar Abrego Garcia.     The report details the traffic stop encounter that led law enforcement officers to suspect Abrego Garcia of involvement in human trafficking. The documents also reveal that law enforcement confirmed Abrego Garcia to be a Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) gang member.       On Dec. 1, 2022, Abrego Garcia was stopped by the Tennessee Highway Patrol for speeding. Upon approach to the vehicle, the encountering officer noted eight other individuals in the vehicle. There was no luggage in the vehicle, leading the encountering officer to suspect this was a human trafficking incident.  Additionally, all the passengers gave the same home address as the subject's home address. During the interview, Abrego Garcia pretended to speak less English than he was capable of and attempted to put the encountering officer off-track by responding to questions with questions. When asked what relationship he had with the registered owner of the vehicle, Abrego Garcia replied that the owner of the vehicle is his boss, and that he worked in construction.      “Kilmar Abrego Garcia is a MS-13 gang member, illegal alien from El Salvador, and suspected human trafficker. The facts reveal he was pulled over with eight individuals in a car on an admitted three-day journey from Texas to Maryland with no luggage,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “The facts speak for themselves, and they reek of human trafficking. The media’s sympathetic narrative about this criminal illegal gang member has completely fallen apart. We hear far too much about the gang members and criminals’ false sob stories and not enough about their victims.”    The encountering officer decided not to cite the subject for driving infractions but gave him a warning citation for driving with an expired driver's license. Abrego Garcia’s driver's license was a MD "Limited Term Temporary” license. The encountering officer gathered names of other occupants in vehicle but could not read their handwriting. The officer did not pursue further information due to no citation being issued.     In 2019, the Prince Georges County Police Gang Unit validated Abrego Garcia as a member of the Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) Gang.              # # # You are subscribed to updates from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Manage Subscriptions  |  Privacy Policy  |  Help Connect with DHS: Facebook  |  X (Twitter)  |  Instagram  |  LinkedIn  |  Flickr  |  YouTube U.S. Department of Homeland Security www.dhs.gov This email was sent to ricklivermore.thankyoujesus@blogger.com on behalf of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security | DHS.gov