In March 2024, the Merrillville Fire Department took one of its trucks to Merrillville-based Hoosier Diesel & Off-Road, a repair shop that specializes in diesel and off-road vehicle maintenance.

According to documents posted online by the Justice Department, Mr. Abrego Garcia said he entered the United States illegally in March 2012 through the U.S.-Mexico border near McAllen, Texas.