Tennessee Authorities Release Bodycam Footage of Kilmar Abrego-Garcia's 2022 Traffic Stop

Recently released body camera footage from a 2022 Tennessee traffic stop shows troopers detaining Kilmar Abrego-Garcia, an undocumented Salvadoran migrant suspected of MS-13 gang affiliation and human trafficking, after finding eight men in his vehicle with no luggage and $1,400 in cash. Troopers grew suspicious after Abrego-Garcia gave inconsistent stories and was found with an invalid license, and a check flagged him as a possible gang member or terrorist. Despite these red flags, when troopers contacted federal authorities, they were advised not to detain him, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) did not respond to pick him up. Abrego-Garcia was released from custody without charges, though he was later deported to El Salvador. The case has become politically charged, with critics highlighting federal inaction and supporters arguing he was transporting workers and not charged with a crime. The incident underscores ongoing debate over immigration enforcement and the handling of suspected criminal activity among undocumented migrants.