Abrego Garcia's attorneys have characterized the smuggling case as a desperate attempt by the Trump administration to justify his mistaken deportation three months after the fact.

Prosecutors say between 2016 and 2025, Abrego Garcia was part of a conspiracy to illegally transport undocumented migrants from various countries in Central and South America into and within the U.S....

Prosecutors, who allege he is a member of the gang MS-13, a designated terrorist organization, argued he could flee or intimidate witnesses if released.