Pam Bondi, former Florida Attorney General and longtime Republican fixture, has claimed that Kilmar Abrego Garcia was not only in the U.S. illegally, but was tied to the brutal MS-13 gang. Sounds terrifying, right? The kind of thing that makes you double-check your locks and thank God you live in a red state.

But here’s the problem: no court has ruled Garcia is part of MS-13, and—brace yourself—he’s actually not in the country illegally. According to legal records, his removal was withheld by immigration courts back in 2019, granting him legal protection under U.S. law.

So why would someone as experienced as Pam Bondi make a claim that isn’t backed up by a court ruling?

That’s the question. And as a Christian conservative who believes in truth, the rule of law, and calling out nonsense no matter where it comes from—I’ve got a few thoughts.

Messaging First, Facts Later: The Political Playbook

Let’s be honest here—Bondi didn’t fall off the back of a turnip truck. She knows how to pick her words. She’s a lawyer. She’s worked at the top levels of political strategy. So, when she uses loaded terms like “illegal alien” and “MS-13 member”, she’s not casually chatting over coffee—she’s pressing emotional buttons, especially with voters who care deeply about border security and law enforcement (which, by the way, includes me).

This is what political consultants call “messaging.” It’s the practice of shaping words in a way that grabs attention and wins support. The Left does it with climate hysteria. The Right does it with law-and-order language. But here’s the kicker: truth is not supposed to be optional in our messaging—especially if we’re the ones waving the Bible and Constitution.

If the facts don’t back up the claim, we don’t get to wave it like a banner just because it sounds right. That’s not messaging. That’s manipulation. And it’s beneath us.

Immigration Court Isn’t Criminal Court—Let’s Not Pretend Otherwise

What Pam Bondi is probably referencing is the fact that two immigration judges denied Garcia bond based on allegations of gang ties. But let’s be clear: immigration court is not criminal court. It’s more like a civil process where the standard of evidence is way lower. Judges can deny bond based on anonymous tips or hearsay—things that would never fly in a real court.

There’s no presumption of innocence. No jury. No full discovery process. No “beyond a reasonable doubt.”

So, if Bondi is portraying a bond denial as proof-positive that someone is a criminal, she’s either misunderstanding the system—or willfully twisting it. And that, folks, is dangerous.

Allegations Aren’t Adjudications: The DHS Factor

Now maybe Pam is just echoing the Department of Homeland Security, who have publicly alleged Garcia is tied to MS-13. But here’s the thing: DHS has never charged him. Never put him on trial. Never proven it in court.

We have to resist the temptation to treat an accusation as a conviction. Because if that’s the standard, then we’re no better than a kangaroo court—or Twitter.

If a man is a criminal, then charge him. Prosecute him. Show the evidence. That’s justice. But slapping a label on someone in a press conference without due process? That’s political convenience. That’s propaganda. And as Christians, we ought to be the first to reject it.

“Thou shalt not raise a false report: put not thine hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness” (Exodus 23:1).

God takes false testimony seriously—even when it’s politically useful.

It’s Easier to Be Loud Than Accurate—But That’s a Problem

This whole thing fits neatly into a bigger, more troubling pattern in American politics: the triumph of spin over substance.

It’s become far too easy to get applause with half-truths. To toss red meat to the base and say, “See? We’re tough on crime!” But there’s a big difference between being tough and being reckless. Truth doesn’t take a back seat just because you’re on the right side of the aisle.

The Left does this all the time—cherry-picking facts to make every cop look racist, every traditional value look oppressive, and every border law look like bigotry. We hate that. And rightfully so. But if we’re going to win the moral high ground, we can’t fight lies with more lies.

Telling the truth—even when it’s inconvenient—isn’t just good politics. It’s good discipleship.

Christian Conservatism Must Be Rooted in Righteousness, Not Rhetoric

At the end of the day, being a Christian conservative doesn’t mean parroting Republican talking points. It means being rooted in the truth—God’s truth. It means standing for law and order, yes, but also for justice, compassion, and fairness.

We don’t need to exaggerate the threat of MS-13—they are evil enough as they are. We don’t need to call someone an “illegal alien” when they aren’t—there are plenty who are. Let’s make our stand on solid ground, not shifting political sand.

“A false balance is abomination to the Lord: but a just weight is his delight”  (Proverbs 11:1).

That verse isn’t just about business dealings. It’s about integrity in all things—even political speech.

Final Thought: Let’s Be the Side That Tells the Truth

If Pam Bondi made a mistake, she should correct it. If she repeated an unproven allegation, she should clarify it. That’s not weakness—it’s leadership.

We’re not going to fix the moral mess this country is in by becoming more like the people who created it. We fix it by speaking truth boldly, loving justice, and walking humbly with our God.

Let’s be the side that holds our own accountable, that refuses to cut corners, and that puts the truth ahead of the applause.

Because at the end of the day, truth isn’t just a political strategy—it’s a biblical command.