Fact Check: Ben Schrader Resigned as Chief of the Criminal Division on the Day of Kilmar Abrego Garcia's Indictment
What We Know
Ben Schrader, the chief of the criminal division at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Tennessee, resigned on May 21, 2025, the same day Kilmar Abrego Garcia was indicted on charges related to human smuggling (AP News, USA Today). Schrader's resignation came after a decade of service, during which he was involved in significant cases, including the investigation of the 2020 Christmas Day bombing in Nashville (USA Today).
While the exact reasons for Schrader's resignation have not been publicly disclosed, reports indicate that his departure was connected to the indictment of Abrego Garcia, with unnamed sources suggesting that the indictment influenced his decision to resign (USA Today, AP News). In a LinkedIn post, Schrader described his time in the office as an "incredible privilege," emphasizing a commitment to "do the right thing, in the right way, for the right reasons" (USA Today).
Analysis
The claim that Ben Schrader resigned on the day of Kilmar Abrego Garcia's indictment is accurate, as confirmed by multiple reputable sources. The timing of his resignation and the indictment is noteworthy and has led to speculation about the reasons behind his departure. However, the lack of a direct statement from Schrader regarding the motivations for his resignation leaves some ambiguity.
The sources reporting on this matter, including the Associated Press and USA Today, are generally considered reliable. They provide a balanced view by including both the facts surrounding the indictment and Schrader's professional background. However, the reliance on unnamed sources for the assertion that the indictment influenced Schrader's resignation introduces a degree of uncertainty. Without direct confirmation from Schrader or official statements from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the motivations behind his resignation remain speculative.
Furthermore, while the indictment of Abrego Garcia has drawn significant media attention, it is essential to recognize that the legal proceedings and allegations against him are complex and ongoing. The context of the indictment—stemming from a controversial deportation—adds layers to the narrative but does not directly clarify Schrader's reasons for resigning.
Conclusion
The claim that Ben Schrader resigned as chief of the criminal division at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Tennessee on the day of Kilmar Abrego Garcia's indictment is Partially True. While the timing of the resignation and the indictment coincides, the lack of explicit confirmation regarding the reasons for Schrader's resignation leaves room for interpretation. Thus, while the factual elements of the claim are accurate, the implications drawn from them may not fully capture the complexities involved.
Sources
- Kilmar Abrego Garcia pleads not guilty in Tennessee court (https://apnews.com/article/abrego-garcia-deportation-error-2bf259d9de88334bbdfb6d565b36e633)
- Prosecutor who resigned day of Kilmar Abrego Garcia ... (https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/06/11/ben-schrader-prosecutor-quit-abrego-garcia/84149240007/)
- Kilmar Abrego Garcia saga continues with court date in ... (https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2025/06/13/kilmar-abrego-garcia-court-date-smuggling-allegations/84165580007/)
