In a fresh twist to the controversial deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, former U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday presented what appeared to be a digitally altered image of the Maryland man’s hand tattoos. The photo, displayed during an Oval Office appearance and later shared on Trump’s Truth Social account, supposedly showed “MS-13” inked across Abrego Garcia’s knuckles.
The 29-year-old was recently deported to El Salvador, where he met with Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen. Photos from the meeting circulated widely, and netizens were quick to question the tattoos on Garcia’s hands—claiming gang affiliation. Trump echoed these claims, asserting, “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.’ They said he is not a member of MS-13, even though he’s got MS-13 tattooed onto his knuckles.”
He added, “Two Highly Respected Courts found that he was a member of MS-13, beat up his wife, etc. I was elected to take bad people out of the United States, among other things. I must be allowed to do my job. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
Tattoo Controversy Raises Eyebrows
Contrary to Trump’s claim, earlier reports and government statements had described Abrego Garcia’s tattoos differently. Officials previously said the ink included a marijuana leaf, a smiley face, a cross, and a skull—without any reference to “MS-13.”
“You know those photos of the gang tattoos on Abrego Garcia’s knuckles. They’re photoshopped. But Trump himself has shared the pic,” one social media user posted, pointing out discrepancies between the new image and previously released ones.
Domestic Violence Allegations Resurface
Adding to the controversy, a complaint filed by Trump administration officials resurfaced, alleging that Abrego Garcia had punched his wife and had gang affiliations. These claims, however, have yet to be independently verified or addressed by the courts post-deportation.
As the digital image debate continues, questions loom over the use of altered visuals in political messaging and the true nature of the tattoos shown in Trump’s post.
