Mexican nationals with extensive criminal backgrounds have historically faced deportation, as evidenced by the case of Kilmer Abrego Garcia, who is alleged to be a long-time smuggler of undocumented immigrants.
Federal prosecutors decided to release Jose Ramon Hernandez Reyes early from prison, offering him a chance at protected deportation in exchange for his cooperation against Abrego Garcia. While court documents examined by the Washington Post highlight this, Reyes, who previously faced charges related to human smuggling, was implicated in a significant traffic stop by the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) in 2022 that formed the basis of the case against Abrego Garcia.
During a December 2022 stop along a highway in Tennessee, THP officials recognized signs of human smuggling after noticing several passengers traveling without luggage. Abrego Garcia tried to justify the trip as work-related and claimed his “boss” owned the vehicle, which was later identified as the one he was driving that night.
Reyes, ultimately pleading guilty to charges of transporting undocumented immigrants, received an 18-month prison sentence. Once he completes his sentence, he is set to be deported by immigration authorities, with the possibility of facing up to ten additional years in prison if he returns illegally.
His situation shifted significantly after prosecutors connected him to Abrego Garcia, igniting heated discussions nationwide about the Trump administration’s hardline stance on illegal immigration.
In early June, following a protracted standoff between federal prosecutors and Abrego Garcia’s defense, the DOJ revealed that Abrego Garcia had returned but faced accusations of facilitating numerous illegal immigration attempts, drug trafficking, and other serious crimes.
Attorney General Pam Bondy stated that over the last nine years, Abrego Garcia had been deeply involved in smuggling operations, emphasizing that this was his primary occupation rather than construction work.
On Friday, Abrego Garcia’s legal team expressed frustration over what they viewed as the prosecution favoring leniency for witnesses in exchange for their collaboration. They criticized the government’s handling of the case, citing a public relations strategy designed to sway public perception against Abrego Garcia.
According to court documents, while there are other cooperating witnesses in the case, Reyes received a more advantageous agreement to share details about the “Maryland Man” with the media. As part of the deal, he was granted early release and has been placed in a halfway home, with a possibility of staying in the U.S. for at least a year, and potentially obtaining a work permit.
Beyond the human smuggling allegations, Abrego Garcia is also suspected of gang affiliations with MS-13 and has a history of domestic abuse claims. He has denied the smuggling accusations.
A federal magistrate has ordered that Abrego Garcia remain in custody to prevent ICE agents from arresting him immediately. His next court appearance is scheduled for July 16.
