Fact Check: Ben Schrader Resigned on the Day Kilmar Abrego Garcia Was Indicted
What We Know
Ben Schrader, the former chief of the criminal division at the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Tennessee, resigned on May 21, 2025. This resignation coincided with the indictment of Kilmar Abrego Garcia on human smuggling charges. Reports indicate that Schrader's resignation was a direct response to the decision to pursue criminal charges against Abrego Garcia, who had previously been mistakenly deported to El Salvador and was facing serious allegations related to human smuggling (Washington Post, Reuters, Yahoo News).
Abrego Garcia was indicted by a federal grand jury on the same day, May 21, 2025, which marked a significant moment in a case that had drawn considerable public attention due to the circumstances of his deportation and the subsequent charges (USA Today, ABC News).
Analysis
The claim that Ben Schrader resigned on the day Kilmar Abrego Garcia was indicted is supported by multiple credible sources. The Washington Post and Reuters provide direct confirmation of the timeline, stating that Schrader's resignation occurred on May 21, the same day Abrego Garcia was indicted. Additionally, Yahoo News corroborates this information, emphasizing that Schrader's departure was linked to the indictment.
The sources used in this analysis are reputable news organizations with established editorial standards. The Washington Post and Reuters are known for their journalistic integrity and fact-checking processes, making them reliable sources for this information. The context surrounding the indictment and Schrader's resignation is also supported by other outlets, including ABC News and USA Today, which detail the implications of the indictment and the public reaction to the case.
While the resignation of a high-ranking official like Schrader in response to a controversial indictment is significant, it is essential to consider the motivations behind such a resignation. However, the sources do not provide explicit details on Schrader's personal reasons for resigning, leaving some aspects of the situation open to interpretation.
Conclusion
Verdict: True. 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 Kilmar Abrego Garcia was indicted on human smuggling charges is accurate. Multiple credible sources confirm that both events occurred on May 21, 2025, and that Schrader's resignation was linked to the decision to pursue charges against Abrego Garcia.
Sources
- Kilmar Abrego Garcia pleads not guilty to human ...
- Abrego Garcia to remain detained for now on migrant ...
- Los Angeles, Abrego García, Travel Ban and Parole Termination
- Kilmar Abrego Garcia saga continues with court date ...
- Kilmar Abrego Garcia brought back to US, appears in court on ...
- Prosecutor who resigned day of Kilmar Abrego Garcia ...