Jessica Tarlov vs. Jeanine Pirro: The Debate Over Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s Deportation
The heated debate surrounding the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran national, took center stage on The Five during a fiery exchange between co-hosts Jessica Tarlov and Jeanine Pirro. At the heart of the debate was the Trump administration’s controversial decision to deport Garcia to El Salvador, a move that the White House admitted was an “administrative error.” While Pirro defended the administration’s actions, Tarlov passionately countered, focusing on the lack of evidence for Garcia’s gang affiliations and the broader implications of wrongful deportations.
The Context of Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s Deportation
Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who had lived in Maryland for over a decade, was deported to El Salvador in March 2025, despite being legally present in the U.S. with a work permit. Garcia had entered the U.S. illegally in 2011 but had been allowed to remain in the country under the protection of a work visa. However, his deportation was triggered after accusations surfaced that he was affiliated with the MS-13 gang, a claim that has been widely contested.
The Trump administration justified Garcia’s deportation by labeling him a dangerous gang member with ties to MS-13, which the U.S. government had recently designated as a terrorist organization. However, no formal charges were brought against Garcia, and he had never been convicted of being a member of the notorious gang. This discrepancy fueled the controversy, as the basis for Garcia’s deportation remained clouded in ambiguity, with critics pointing to the lack of solid evidence to support the claims.
Pirro’s Defense: A National Security Concern
In the heated discussion, Pirro expressed strong support for the Trump administration’s actions. “I don’t care about the constitutional crisis,” she said, defending the deportation as a necessary move for national security. Pirro argued that Garcia’s deportation was justified due to his alleged MS-13 connections and the risk he posed to American citizens.
“Biden! And that’s the reason we’re in this mess in the first place. Start caring about American citizens!” Pirro raged, blaming President Biden’s immigration policies for the rise in illegal immigration and the perceived threat posed by individuals like Garcia. She maintained that Garcia’s deportation was essential to keeping Americans safe, even if it meant ignoring the legal complexities of his case.
Pirro’s argument focused on the broader issue of illegal immigration and the perceived failure of Democrats to protect American citizens. She framed Garcia’s deportation as part of the larger effort to combat illegal immigration and protect the U.S. from criminals, particularly those involved in gangs like MS-13. For Pirro, the political ramifications of supporting Garcia’s deportation were less important than ensuring the safety of American citizens.
Tarlov’s Counter-Argument: Due Process and the Law
