Most accusations came from co-conspirators and other witnesses. The defense argues they stand to gain in their ongoing immigration or criminal cases.

Court proceedings began this week for Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the man accused of participating in an alleged human smuggling operation, with prosecutors presenting testimony and evidence related to a 2022 traffic stop in Tennessee.

The plea was the first chance the Maryland construction worker has had in a U.S. courtroom to answer the Trump administration’s allegations against him.