Tom Homan, the former Trump administration “border czar,” is fiercely criticizing Democratic lawmakers for continuing to back Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a deported migrant now facing renewed scrutiny over past allegations of domestic violence.
“This just proves what we’ve said from the beginning—we removed a threat to public safety,” Homan said during an appearance on America Reports Thursday.
A 2020 protective order filed in Maryland accuses Abrego Garcia of physically and emotionally abusing his wife, Jennifer Vasquez Sura, and her children. The allegations span several years and include claims of kicking, slapping, dragging her by the hair, and even telling a relative that “even if he kills her, no one can touch him.” The court filing also describes a 2019 incident where Garcia allegedly shoved her against a wall and damaged property.
Despite these allegations, several Democrats—including Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen—have advocated for Garcia’s return to the U.S., claiming he was wrongfully deported and has no gang affiliations.
But Homan isn’t buying it.
“I hope they keep going to El Salvador,” he said. “Let the American people see it clearly—Democrats are standing up for a gang member, a domestic abuser, a public safety threat—instead of supporting the families of victims.”
The Trump administration has continued to defend Garcia’s 2021 deportation, even though it admitted the removal was conducted in error. Immigration officials say Garcia was flagged as a possible MS-13 gang member after a 2019 arrest for loitering. Authorities also cited gang-related tattoos, clothing, and an informant’s tip as further indicators of gang involvement. His lawyers deny the claims and say he was simply seeking day labor.
In 2022, Garcia was pulled over in Tennessee while driving a vehicle registered to a convicted human smuggler. He was questioned but not charged.
Despite mounting pressure from Democrats, the Biden-era administration says that while it has agreed to remove domestic legal barriers to Garcia’s return, the final decision lies with El Salvador. President Nayib Bukele has shown no interest in repatriating him.
“Are we supposed to go into another country and kidnap their citizen?” Homan said, defending El Salvador’s right to deny repatriation.
Meanwhile, Democrats argue that Garcia was denied due process and that the Trump administration is smearing his reputation to justify a flawed deportation system. The Supreme Court recently upheld a lower court decision ordering U.S. authorities to assist in Garcia’s return.
But Homan remains defiant.
“They can play that game all they want—it’s a losing issue for them,” he said. “We’ll stick to doing our job and protecting Americans.”