President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency laid down the law against Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the accused MS-13 gang member deported to El Salvador, during his U.S. Senate confirmation hearing on Monday.
Speaking with Sen. Lindsey Graham, Terrence Cole, who currently serves as Virginia’s public safety administrator, appeared relaxed as he returned answers about whether members of the violent gang carry “membership cards” and defended the administration’s decision to deport Garcia based on tattoos officials claim prove his affiliation.
“Are you familiar with MS-13? Briefly, what are they?” Graham asked.
“They’re a terrorist organization,” Cole replied. “[They’re involved in] extortion, kidnapping, drugs, intimidation, money laundering…”
The South Carolina senator facetiously asked about gang “membership cards” and whether a series of tattoos on Garcia’s knuckles were signifiers of his association with MS-13.
“Not necessarily the membership cards, but they are well recognized based on tattoos and different [things],” Cole said.
Graham then held up a series of photos of Garcia’s tattoos.
“Based on your time and experience and expertise in the DEA, what does that photo or those markings suggest to you?” he asked.
“Well, they suggest that he’s an MS-13 member — that those are