Abner Garcia emerged as one of the most intense and controversial participants in the history of A&s hit documentary series 60 Days In. Entering the Pinal County Jail during Season 5, he brought a heavy past as a former high-ranking member of the Latin Kings who had served extensive time behind bars. Viewers watched a fascinating psychological turnaround unfold on screen as Abner slipped back into old habits, taking on the role of an enforcer rather than a passive observer.
Where is Abner now? Life after the cameras turned off involved a return to his community outreach roots, leaving behind the intense prison politics that defined his time on the show.
Who Was Abner on 60 Days In?
Before stepping inside the Pinal County facility, Abner had already lived two distinct lives. He spent over a decade locked up in state and federal facilities, including a stint in Rikers Island during the 1990s. After serving his time, he completely restructured his worldview. He turned away from gang culture, embraced Christianity, and became a certified prison chaplain dedicated to keeping at-risk youth out of the system.
Producers cast him believing his background would give him unique insight into jailhouse dynamics. Instead of simply blending in, Abner used his familiarity with institutional hierarchies to establish dominance among the inmates. He quickly aligned with the Chicanos and began laying down strict rules, earning a reputation among fans as both a compelling asset and an overly aggressive participant who blurred the lines of his undercover mission.
The Turning Point and Exit From Season 5
Abner's time in Pinal County didn't end quietly. While his stated goal was to gather intelligence on contraband and gang structures, his commanding presence morphed into something resembling active gang enforcement. He expected absolute obedience from fellow inmates, positioning himself as a moral and physical authority figure.
Tensions boiled over when conflicts with other participants and inmates challenged his control. After a series of volatile altercations and concerns raised by facility staff regarding his safety and the preservation of order, producers and jail administrators pulled him from the program. His departure left fans debating whether his intense immersion was a tactical necessity or a relapse into his old enforcer mentality.
Where Is Abner Now?
Following the broadcast of Season 5, Abner stepped away from the reality television spotlight. He didn't chase a long-term media career, opting instead to return to his life of quiet service.
- Community Leadership: Official updates from A&E note that Abner redirected his energy back into local mentorship programs. He works directly with troubled individuals to help them avoid the criminal pitfalls that shaped his early adulthood.
- Ministry and Outreach: He continued his path as a faith-based counselor, utilizing his unique personal history to connect with people struggling with addiction, poverty, and gang involvement.
- Volunteer Work: Prior to and following his time on the show, he spent significant time volunteering with organizations like the Red Cross, focusing on humanitarian aid.
Abner's journey came full circle—moving from a street enforcer to a federal inmate, transforming into a chaplain, temporarily reverting to prison politics for television, and ultimately settling back into sustained community advocacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Abner return to prison after 60 Days In?
No. Despite fan speculation on forums that his aggressive behavior on the show might lead to legal trouble, Abner completed the filming without criminal repercussions and remained a free man focused on his ministry.
What was Abner's gang affiliation in real life?
Before turning his life around, Abner served as a high-ranking member and enforcer for the Latin Kings during his time in maximum-security facilities.
Why did Abner get removed from Pinal County Jail?
Producers and jail staff pulled him from the program because his intense dominance and self-appointed enforcer role within the Chicano faction crossed safety boundaries, turning him into a focal point of internal jail politics.
Is Abner still active on social media?
Abner maintains a low public profile. Unlike many reality TV stars who monetize their appearances through constant social media posting, he prefers to keep his personal life private and focus on local offline ministry.
