Spanish-Speaking Abrego Garcia Doesn't Want To Be An American

Kilmar Abrego Garcia, an illegal alien accused of being an MS-13 gang member, was released from a Tennessee jail on Friday after a judge ordered his release. Following his release, he turned himself in to immigration authorities in Baltimore, where he delivered a speech thanking his supporters in Spanish.

Abrego Garcia’s situation highlights concerns about assimilation among immigrants in the United States. After 14 years in the country, he reportedly still cannot communicate in English, raising questions about the effectiveness of the current immigration system and the expectations for those who wish to reside permanently in the U.S.

According to reports, Abrego Garcia entered the U.S. illegally 14 years ago and was detained in March 2019. He was charged with removability, and an immigration judge determined he was a verified member of MS-13, denying him bond due to concerns about public safety.

His asylum claim, filed six months later, was also denied. Although a judge ruled that he could not be deported to El Salvador, he was ultimately sent back to his native country before returning to the U.S., where he faced additional charges related to human smuggling.

Abrego Garcia’s release from jail has sparked discussions about the broader implications of immigration policies and the lack of assimilation among some immigrants. Critics argue that the ability to live and work in the U.S. without learning English undermines the concept of a shared national culture.

The National Conference of State Legislatures notes that limited English proficiency voters represent a significant demographic, with many jurisdictions required to provide voting materials in languages other than English to comply with the Voting Rights Act.

As America continues to grapple with issues of immigration and assimilation, Abrego Garcia’s case serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by both immigrants and the nation as a whole. Without a common language, the potential for a united national identity may be at risk.

Brianna Lyman is an elections correspondent at The Federalist, where she covers issues related to immigration and culture.