A Department of Homeland Security Investigations official testified that a human smuggling case against Kilmar Abrego Garcia strengthened as investigators reviewed the facts, contradicting claims of politically motivated prosecution. Rana Saoud, the special agent in charge of the Nashville region, initiated the inquiry after learning of a 2022 traffic stop involving Abrego Garcia and followed evidence that led to more charges.
Saoud said she wouldn’t have pursued charges if the facts didn’t add up, but the case kept getting stronger. She acknowledged that Abrego Garcia’s public profile drew attention to the case, but agreed it was notable due to his high-profile status.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Rob McGuire testified that he brought charges after reviewing evidence from the 2022 traffic stop, where Abrego Garcia was stopped for speeding while transporting nine passengers. McGuire said the circumstances resembled smuggling cases he had previously prosecuted.
The hearing is part of a legal fight over whether the prosecution was justified or vindictive following Abrego Garcia’s mistaken deportation to El Salvador and court-ordered return to the U.S. Prosecutors pointed to statements from an incarcerated witness, Jose Hernandez Reyes, who allegedly operated a smuggling network and used Abrego Garcia as a driver.
Judge Waverly Crenshaw previously ruled that some evidence suggested the prosecution “may be vindictive,” citing concerns about motive. The judge gave the government and defense 30 days to submit written arguments based on Thursday’s testimony.
Source: https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/justice/4473678/dhs-agent-abrego-garcia-smuggling-case-stronger-post-inquiry