Tattoos on Abrego Garcia’s Fingers Are Not Proof He’s a Member of MS-13, Experts Say

The case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland resident wrongfully deported to El Salvador, has ignited a national debate over the use of tattoos as evidence of gang affiliation. President Donald Trump cited Garcia's knuckle tattoos—a marijuana leaf, smiley face, cross, and skull—as proof of his membership in the MS-13 gang. However, experts and law enforcement officials argue that these tattoos do not definitively indicate gang involvement.​

The Controversy Surrounding Garcia's Tattoos, In an April 29, 2025, interview with ABC News, President Trump insisted that Garcia had "MS-13" tattooed on his knuckles, referencing a photoshopped image that added gang-affiliated letters to Garcia's tattoos. Despite corrections from the interviewer that the letters were digitally added, Trump maintained his claim. This assertion has been widely criticized, with experts emphasizing that the tattoos in question are not typical indicators of MS-13 affiliation. ​

Expert Opinions on Tattoo Indicators, Law enforcement officials and gang experts note that visible gang tattoos have declined in recent years due to increased scrutiny. Members of MS-13 have adapted by avoiding conspicuous tattoos to evade detection. Symbols like a marijuana leaf, smiley face, cross, and skull are not definitive markers of gang membership. In Garcia's case, no court or government documentation previously cited these tattoos as evidence of gang ties. ​

Moreover, El Salvador's security and justice minister, Gustavo Villatoro, questioned the U.S. government's claims, stating that no concrete evidence has been provided to support the accusation of Garcia's gang affiliation. Garcia was initially detained in a high-security prison but was later moved to a low-security facility that does not admit gang members, further suggesting the lack of substantiated proof. ​

Legal and Political Ramifications, Garcia's deportation has raised significant legal concerns. Despite a 2019 court order barring his deportation, he was removed in March 2025. The U.S. Supreme Court unanimously ruled that Garcia must be returned to the United States, but President Trump has refused to comply, citing the disputed gang affiliation. Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland condemned Trump's defiance, stating that it constitutes a constitutional crisis and a violation of due process. ​

The Broader Issue of Tattoo-Based Profiling, The reliance on tattoos as indicators of gang affiliation is a contentious practice. Experts caution against using tattoos as sole evidence, as symbols can have varied meanings and individuals may have tattoos for aesthetic or cultural reasons. The evolution of gang practices, including the reduction of visible tattoos, further complicates the use of such markers in identifying gang members. ​

The case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia underscores the dangers of relying on superficial indicators like tattoos to determine gang affiliation. Without concrete evidence, such assumptions can lead to wrongful deportations and violations of due process. It is imperative that law enforcement and political leaders base their actions on verified information rather than unsubstantiated claims.