Kilmar Abrego Garica, the citizen of El Salvador deported by the Trump administration in March, pleaded not guilty in a federal court in Nashville, Tennessee, on Friday, after the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) charged him with participating in a criminal conspiracy to smuggle illegal immigrants throughout the country for nearly a decade.
Scheduled to be arraigned at 10 a.m. on Friday, Abrego Garcia reportedly appeared remotely from Putnam County Jail via a video stream, officially entering his not guilty plea at 10:12 a.m., when The Tennessean said the crowd of protesters outside the Fred D. Thompson Courthouse reached approximately 100.
Earlier in the morning, when about 80 protesters had gathered to support the alleged human smuggler, his wife, Jennifer Vasquez Sara, addressed the crowd.
“To all the families still fighting to be reunited after a family separation, or if you too are in detention, Kilmar wants you to have faith,” said Vasquez Sara. “He said these dark times are where we’re all facing the tribulations God has put in our path. But keep praying and keep fighting that the light will always come soon for all of us, and you too will be able to see your family again.”
Kilmar Abrego Garcia's wife spoke to media in Nashville this morning. He was mistakenly deported to an El Salvador prison in March. There's a hearing today on whether Abrego Garcia can be released from jail before a trial on human smuggling charges. @WKRN https://t.co/UVgaOubN1w pic.twitter.com/5dE2jYl2kF
— Nickelle Smith (@NickelleReports) June 13, 2025
At least four activist groups and nonprofits began publicly organizing the protest earlier this week, and on Thursday, they partnered with progressive lawyers and climate change activists to offer training to those planning to attend, including what to do if arrested as a result of the protest.
Despite the support from local organizations, Matt Murphy, the SuperTalk 99.7 WTN radio host, reported that the apparent leader of the protest did not identify himself or what organization he represented.
This fella, who never identified himself, seems to be ring leader. Big angry at ICE. Trump. The usual. pic.twitter.com/rmpbUOZzB5
— Matt Murphy (@mattmurphyshow) June 13, 2025
A video posted to the social media platform X by WKRN reporter Katelyn Quisenberry shows protesters holding homemade signs in support of Abrego Garcia and the concept of due process.
HAPPENING NOW: Nashvillians gather outside federal courtroom ahead of Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s hearing.
Garcia was deported to an El Salvador prison in March 2025. He is accused of conspiring to bring undocumented migrants to the United States from around 2016 to 2025. @WKRN pic.twitter.com/FD5Oh1g3Ml
— Katelyn Quisenberry (@katelynquiz) June 13, 2025
Additionally, the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) previously told The Tennessee Star that it would support protesters while maintaining public safety. Fox 17 reporter Johnny Maffei posted a video to X that appeared to show officers transporting equipment during the protest.
“Metro Nashville Police seen walking by with gear outside the federal courthouse where a protest is now underway ahead of Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s court appearance,” wrote Maffei.
Metro Nashville Police seen walking by with gear outside the federal courthouse where a protest is now underway ahead of Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s court appearance@FOXNashville pic.twitter.com/mo8AFuzksz
— Johnny Maffei (@MaffeiInTheMorn) June 13, 2025
The Star was first to report that Tennessee Highway Patrol pulled over Abrego Garcia in November 2022, but that he was ordered to be released by the “Biden-era FBI,” despite troopers suspecting him of being engaged in human trafficking during the stop.
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Tom Pappert is the lead reporter for The Tennessee Star, and also reports for The Pennsylvania Daily Star and The Arizona Sun Times. Follow Tom on X/Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
The disgruntled guy who blogs as an anti-Trump guy attended the no kings rally and supports these marxist demonstrators, he is to be discredited as a supporter of illegal immigration. He claims to be a republican but is at heart a true RINO, ignore this fool.
Metro police helping out with a protest. We need a new leader, this is ridiculous.
You all better start pushing for a change of venue. There is no way a Sanctuary City like Nashville is going to convict this guy. Every local new station has been giving him the Christ crucified treatment all week long while promoting where the riots will start.
Tirrc is a cancer in this state and needs removal.