TENNESSEE HIGHWAY PATROL RELEASES BODY CAMERA FOOTAGE OF 2022 TRAFFIC STOP INVOLVING DEPORTED ALLEGED MS-13 AFFILIATE KILMAR ABREGO-GARCIA

The Tennessee Highway Patrol has released body camera footage from a 2022 traffic stop involving KILMAR ABREGO-GARCIA, a Salvadorian national suspected of human trafficking and alleged gang affiliations. The footage, obtained by Fox News Digital through a public records request, sheds light on the encounter that led to his eventual deportation.

KILMAR ABREGO-GARCIA, 29, illegally entered the United States in 2011 and was issued a deportation order in 2019. Two federal judges previously concluded that he was likely affiliated with the notorious gang MS-13. In March 2023, he was deported to El Salvador and sent to the Terrorist Confinement Center (CECOT).

The traffic stop occurred on November 30, 2022, when Tennessee Highway Patrol troopers pulled over ABREGO-GARCIA for a speeding violation. The vehicle, which had eight other male passengers, raised suspicions due to its unusual seating arrangement. Troopers can be heard in the video questioning whether additional seats had been installed.

A source familiar with the case told Fox News Digital that troopers discussed contacting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during the stop. However, ICE did not respond to pick up ABREGO-GARCIA. When troopers ran his name through the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), a warning appeared indicating he was suspected of being a gang member or terrorist.

During the stop, troopers discovered ABREGO-GARCIA was carrying $1,400 in cash, which one trooper speculated was payment for transporting the passengers. He was also found to possess an invalid Maryland driver’s license.

ABREGO-GARCIA reportedly changed his story multiple times during the encounter. Initially, he claimed he was returning to his Maryland residence, later stating he was traveling to a different town for work. He also mentioned the group had driven from St. Louis, Missouri.

Court records from Prince George’s County, Maryland, reveal a history of domestic violence. In a 2021 protective order filing, his estranged wife, JENNIFER VASQUEZ, wrote, “At this point, I am afraid to be close to him. I have multiple photos/videos of how violent he can be and all the bruises he has left me.”

Despite his deportation, U.S. DISTRICT JUDGE PAULA XINIS previously ordered the U.S. government to facilitate ABREGO-GARCIA’s return to the United States, raising questions about the ongoing legal battles surrounding his case.

Fox News’ BROOKE CURTO contributed to this report.

[Watch the body camera footage here](insert link)

Source: [Fox News Digital](insert link)