Rep. Ilhan Omar told a reporter to “f*ck off” when questioned about Democratic support for an alleged MS-13 affiliate, revealing the heated controversy surrounding a complex immigration case that pits congressional Democrats against El Salvador’s President.
At a Glance
- Rep. Ilhan Omar repeatedly used profanity when asked about Democratic colleagues visiting El Salvador to advocate for Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s return to the US.
- Garcia, deported in 2019 despite having protected status, has been accused of MS-13 gang ties, human smuggling, and domestic abuse.
- The Supreme Court ordered the administration to facilitate Garcia’s return, acknowledging his deportation was a clerical error.
- El Salvador President Nayib Bukele has refused to comply with US requests to return Garcia.
- Experts have disputed claims about Garcia’s alleged MS-13 affiliation based on his tattoos, noting they are not typical gang symbols.
Omar’s Profane Response Captures Tension in Controversial Case
Minnesota Democratic Representative Ilhan Omar made headlines when she responded with profanity to a reporter’s question about her party’s advocacy for Kilmar Abrego Garcia. Daily Caller News Foundation reporter Myles Morell approached Omar to ask whether more Democrats should travel to El Salvador to support Garcia, a man deported during the Trump administration who has been labeled as having MS-13 gang ties. Rather than addressing the question, Omar repeatedly told the reporter to “f*ck off,” refusing to engage on the sensitive topic.
The incident highlights the politically charged nature of Garcia’s case, which has become a flashpoint in immigration debates. Four Democratic representatives and Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen recently traveled to El Salvador specifically to advocate for Garcia’s return to the United States, demonstrating the party’s commitment to what they view as correcting an administrative injustice.
Disputed Gang Affiliations and Deportation Controversy
The controversy surrounding Garcia centers on contradictory claims about his background and alleged gang affiliations. Police records cited by some sources indicate Garcia smuggled people into the United States, maintained ties with MS-13, and physically abused his wife. However, these allegations stand in contrast to legal findings. Garcia and his attorneys have consistently denied any gang membership, and two separate judges found no evidence confirming his affiliation with MS-13.
“This is the hand of the man that the Democrats feel should be brought back to the United States, because he is such ‘a fine and innocent person’,” Donald Trump stated, referencing an image of tattoos on Garcia’s hand.
The image in question shows tattoos of a marijuana leaf, a smiley face, a cross, and a skull, with “MS-13” digitally added above them in the version Trump shared. Gang experts who examined the tattoos noted they are common in mainstream tattooing and not specifically associated with MS-13. These experts emphasize that tattoos alone cannot definitively establish gang membership without additional corroborating evidence.
Legal Status and International Standoff
Garcia’s case involves complex legal developments spanning years. He initially entered the United States illegally in 2011 but was granted “withholding of removal” status by an immigration judge due to concerns about potential persecution by gangs if returned to El Salvador. This protected status was later invalidated during the Trump administration when MS-13 was designated a terrorist organization, leading to his deportation in 2019.
The Supreme Court subsequently ordered the administration to “‘facilitate’ Abrego Garcia’s release from custody in El Salvador,” acknowledging that his deportation resulted from a clerical error. This judicial directive forms the basis for Democratic lawmakers’ advocacy efforts.
Despite the Supreme Court order, an international standoff has developed. El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele has directly stated he would not “smuggle” Garcia back into the United States, effectively blocking the implementation of the court’s directive and complicating diplomatic relations. President Trump mentioned that he “could” secure Garcia’s return from El Salvador, suggesting the situation has become a test of political influence and international cooperation.
