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One of the detectives involved in a 2019 police stop that flagged Kilmar Abrego Garcia as showing signs of MS-13 gang affiliation was later terminated from the Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD) for misconduct in another matter, according to a new statement released by the agency.
The department said on Thursday, April 17, that former officer Ivan Mendez helped conduct the stop and generate an internal gang intelligence report after Abrego Garcia and three other men were interviewed in Hyattsville.
At the time, PGPD said its detectives had “reasonable suspicion” that three of the four men, including Garcia, displayed traits associated with MS-13 based on tattoos, clothing, and source information.
No arrests or charges were filed, and the interaction was documented through a Gang Field Interview Sheet.
It was the last known contact between PGPD and Garcia — who was later deported to El Salvador despite holding protected status in the US, sparking political backlash and national headlines.
The department noted that Mendez was suspended weeks after the stop for an unrelated internal investigation and ultimately pleaded guilty to misconduct in office.
He was fired in December 2022.
PGPD stated it has no further information or comment on the matter.
The deportation of Garcia, a Maryland father, has drawn scrutiny from lawmakers who argue he was wrongfully removed and are demanding answers from ICE and local agencies.
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