Senator Van Hollen Advocates for Wrongly Deported Man in El Salvador
SAN SALVADOR (AP) — U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen from Maryland met with Kilmar Abrego Garcia on Thursday evening in El Salvador. This meeting comes after two days of advocacy by the senator for Garcia’s return to the United States. Van Hollen shared a photo of their encounter on social media, but did not provide updates regarding Garcia’s situation.
Background on Abrego Garcia’s Deportation
Garcia, a Salvadoran national who resided in Maryland, was deported in March 2023 by the Trump administration, despite an immigration court ruling that had placed a stay on his removal. In recent statements, both former President Trump and Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele claimed there was no basis for Garcia’s repatriation, even though the Trump administration has previously described his deportation as an error. The U.S. Supreme Court has urged the administration to take actions to facilitate his return.
“I said my main goal of this trip was to meet with Kilmar,” wrote Van Hollen on social media, expressing his desire to connect with Garcia and convey support to his wife, Jennifer. The senator anticipates providing a comprehensive update on his findings upon returning to the U.S.
Details of the Meeting
The specifics surrounding how the meeting was coordinated remain unclear. In a tweet, President Bukele remarked on Garcia’s health, indicating he would stay in custody as confirmed healthy. Following the meeting, Garcia’s wife stated that the family continues to face uncertainties regarding their situation, emphasizing their ongoing worries and hopes.
Political Reactions and Legal Proceedings
Van Hollen’s visit has ignited a political debate in the U.S., with Democrats criticizing the handling of Garcia’s deportation as an illustration of the consequences of Trump’s policies. A recent ruling from a federal appeals court condemned the Trump administration’s lack of action to facilitate Garcia’s return as “shocking.”
In contrast, Republican representatives have voiced support for Garcia’s deportation, framing it as a measure aimed at combating crime. Claims linking Garcia to gang affiliations, specifically MS-13, have been made by White House officials, yet Garcia’s legal counsel argues that there is no evidence to substantiate these allegations, as he has never faced criminal charges.
Continued Advocacy
Van Hollen’s dedication to advocating for Garcia’s release has prompted other Democratic lawmakers to consider traveling to El Salvador to further discuss the matter. However, the potential impact of these visits remains uncertain. Addressing reporters, President Trump declined to comment on whether he believed Garcia was entitled to due process, instead referring the inquiry to legal representatives.
Obstacles Faced by Van Hollen
On the same day as his meeting, Van Hollen reported being denied access to the high-security Terrorism Confinement Center, where Garcia is incarcerated. The senator described an incident in which soldiers halted his vehicle at a checkpoint, barring them from proceeding. This contrasts with visits from several Republican members of Congress, who have met with officials at the facility.
In response to the ongoing legal proceedings regarding Garcia’s case, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement acknowledged in a court filing this month that his deportation was an administrative mistake. This admission spurred backlash from immigration advocates, yet officials maintain their stance regarding his alleged gang connections.
Concluding Remarks
As the legal battle continues with significant implications for the judiciary and executive branches, the plight of Kilmar Abrego Garcia remains a focal point of contention between political parties in the U.S. The case emphasizes the complexities and challenges surrounding immigration policy and the treatment of individuals within the system.
As developments unfold, the outcome of Garcia’s situation remains to be seen, with ongoing advocacy expected both domestically and internationally.
