Social media has been flooded with speculation that Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a deported individual, is covered in MS-13 tattoos, but the reality may be more complex.
This speculation surged after photos of Abrego Garcia surfaced online showing him meeting with Democratic Sen. Chris Van Hollen in El Salvador. Observers quickly pointed to tattoos on his fingers, claiming they linked him to MS-13, including images of a marijuana leaf, smiley face, cross, and skull, which some thought were cover-ups for the numbers “1” and “3” representing the gang.
An ICE source acknowledged that members of MS-13 typically have a “13” tattoo, but also stated they had never heard of the specific interpretations online. The source suggested the only way to confirm his gang affiliation would be through informants within the prison system.
President Trump, however, asserted that the tattoos proved Garcia’s MS-13 membership, sharing an image of the tattoos on Truth Social and linking them to previous claims about Garcia’s violent past.
This follows allegations released by U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, who stated that Garcia was an active MS-13 member with the rank of “Chequeo” and the street name “Chele.”
The official documents, however, did not mention any MS-13 tattoos.
Garcia’s case has become a focal point in a larger debate, with ongoing controversy surrounding his deportation from the U.S. last month, despite the U.S. Supreme Court’s order for his return due to a clerical error.
The Trump administration continues to argue that Garcia should remain in El Salvador.
