Prosecutor testifies that human smuggling charge against Abrego Garcia was not ‘vindictive’

By: Anita Wadhwani

Outlets: Maryland Matters

Published: February 27, 2026

Words: 761

Last Updated: 1 week, 6 days ago

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NASHVILLE — The lead federal prosecutor in the criminal case against Kilmar Abrego Garcia took on an unusual role Thursday: Seated on the witness stand, Rob McGuire defended the federal government against allegations it was vindictively prosecuting a man whose high-profile fight against wrongful deportation embarrassed the Trump administration.

For more than two hours, McGuire was questioned about emails, phone calls and meetings with a senior Justice Department official, who told McGuire that Abrego’s prosecution …

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