When I first saw the image of Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s tattooed hand with “MS-13” scrawled across it, I thought, “Here we go again — another case of spin versus truth.” But as I dug deeper, I realized this story is about far more than just a photo. It’s about the state of justice in America — and what Scripture has to say about it.
But this story is far bigger than one viral photo.
While the media rushes to paint Garcia as either a misunderstood father or a ruthless criminal, most Americans haven’t seen the full picture. And more importantly, very few are asking what Scripture has to say about any of this.
So let’s step back. Let’s examine the real history, the overlooked facts, and the biblical principles we should be using to measure this moment — not political spin.
His 2019 Arrest Wasn’t Random
In March 2019, Garcia was arrested in a Home Depot parking lot in Hyattsville, Maryland — not for any crime at the time, but due to an existing deportation order.
What followed was more serious: a confidential informant told Prince George’s County police that Garcia was a member of MS-13’s “Western clique” and held the rank of chequeo — a probationary role within the gang. His street name, they said, was “Chele.”
This led an immigration judge to deny him bond. In the immigration court system — where the burden of proof is lower than in criminal trials — that was considered sufficient cause to detain him.
He Was (and Still Is) in the Country Illegally
This is not speculation. It’s fact. Kilmar Abrego Garcia was under an active deportation order, and while he received temporary “withholding of removal” protection in 2019 due to claimed threats from gangs in El Salvador, that status:
- Does not legalize someone’s immigration status
- Does not grant a path to citizenship
- Is revocable if conditions change or further violations occur
By definition under U.S. immigration law, Garcia is — and has always been — an illegal alien.
The Photo That Distracted Everyone
In April 2025, former President Trump posted a photo showing Garcia’s hand with the letters “M,” “S,” “1,” and “3” labeled above his tattoos — implying gang membership.
But the lettering was digitally added. Multiple outlets compared the image to earlier photos taken by Salvadoran officials. The tattoos — a marijuana leaf, smiley face, cross, and skull — were present. The gang letters were not.
Now, you may not trust Politifact or ABC News. Fair enough. But image manipulation is objectively detectable — and the added text isn’t part of any original photo. Whether or not Garcia is in MS-13, that image was altered — and using falsehood to justify a true point only discredits the truth.
Domestic Violence Allegations
Another overlooked part of Garcia’s background: in 2021, his own wife, Jennifer Vasquez Sura, sought a protective order, stating she was “afraid to be close to him.” These domestic violence concerns go back years, including earlier allegations from her former partner in 2018 that she was dating a gang member — assumed to be Garcia (New York Post).
Yet major media outlets now portray him solely as a loving father and victim. That’s a disservice to truth — and to the very idea of justice. In a culture that often replaces facts with feelings, Christians must stand firm — just as we explored in how to respond to gender ideology with biblical truth.
Due Process Still Matters
Despite his background, the Supreme Court ruled in April 2025 that Garcia’s deportation violated due process, because he was forcibly removed before his final court hearing. That’s a serious issue — and Christians who love justice must care when the rule of law is broken, even for someone guilty.
God commands us in Micah 6:8 to “act justly,” which includes ensuring the proper process is followed for everyone.
But here’s where many get it wrong…
Due Process Is Not a Free Pass
Some are now arguing Garcia should be allowed to stay permanently. But Scripture doesn’t support that.
“Whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted.” — Romans 13:2
“Acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent — the Lord detests them both.” — Proverbs 17:15
If deportation is off the table due to threats in El Salvador — and that may very well be true — then the only just and lawful alternative is permanent detention.
Why?
Because mercy must never cancel out justice.
What Should Happen Now?
As of today, Garcia is still in El Salvador — held in prison — even though the Supreme Court ordered the U.S. government to “facilitate his return.” The Trump administration says it can’t force El Salvador to act. So we wait, watching a constitutional standoff unfold between the executive branch and the judiciary.
But here’s what must not be lost:
- Garcia entered illegally
- He had early credible allegations of gang ties
- He was accused of domestic abuse
- He is not a U.S. citizen
- And even if he can’t be deported, he should never be released into American society
Moments like this remind us why Christians cannot sit out of politics and government. The decisions of judges, presidents, and lawmakers impact real lives — and we are called to be salt and light even in the halls of power.
Final Word: Christians Must Think Clearly
This isn’t about hating immigrants. It’s about loving the truth — all of it.
If we abandon truth to embrace a sanitized media version of justice, we are no longer following God’s standard. And if we ignore due process because we “feel” someone is dangerous, we are abandoning the foundation of our laws.
“The Lord loves justice; he will not forsake his faithful ones.” — Psalm 37:28
Garcia deserves due process. But once that’s satisfied, the law must be upheld.
Biblical justice demands no less.
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