-On Humanitarian Grounds
Monrovia, Liberia – The Government of the Republic of Liberia has announced it will receive Mr. Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia on a strictly temporary and humanitarian basis, following a formal request from the United States.
The decision, reached after what the government describes as “extensive consultations” with national and international partners, underscores Liberia’s “enduring commitment to upholding the principles of human dignity, international solidarity, and compassion.”
In an Executive Mansion release, the government positioned the move within its historical role as “a responsible member of the international community,” with a tradition of offering refuge. The process will be managed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in coordination with Liberian security and immigration authorities, with assurances from the U.S. Department of State.
The government outlined a series of safeguards for the transfer, including comprehensive security vetting, respect for due process, a guarantee of non-refoulement, and coordination with the United Nations to find a durable solution. However, the announcement has been met with apprehension by some Liberians, following reports detailing Mr. Abrego Garcia’s background.
According to U.S. court documents and a BBC Verify report from April 2025, Mr. Abrego Garcia was identified by police in Maryland in 2019 as a suspected member of the MS-13 gang. The allegations were based on factors including his clothing—a Chicago Bulls hat, which officers claimed was gang-affiliated—and information from a confidential source.
Experts consulted by BBC Verify have cast doubt on the definitiveness of this evidence. Steven Dudley, a journalist and author who studies MS-13, confirmed that the Chicago Bulls logo has been used by the gang as a symbol but stressed that wearing it is not exclusive to members.
“Any assertions about gang affiliation would need to be corroborated with testimony, criminal history, and other corroborating evidence,” Mr. Dudley said. He also clarified that the term “chequeo,” which was used to describe Mr. Abrego Garcia’s alleged rank, typically refers to a recruit, not an established member.
Further controversy surrounds tattoos on Mr. Abrego Garcia’s hands, which the previous U.S. administration labeled as gang symbols. While Trump-nominee Terrance Cole stated the tattoos were consistent with MS-13 associations, other experts have expressed skepticism, noting the common nature of the designs.
In its statement, the Liberian government made no reference to these specific allegations but emphasized that its decision was “undertaken voluntarily, in good faith, and solely on humanitarian grounds.” The implementation of the transfer, authorities say, will be guided by the stated safeguards to ensure “the highest standards of safety, transparency, and humane treatment.”
