A delegation of four House Democrats has arrived in El Salvador to advocate for the release of Kilmar Ábrego García. This mission aims to challenge the Trump administration’s refusal to comply with a supreme court order that mandates the facilitation of García’s return to the United States. The group, which includes Representatives Yassamin Ansari of Arizona, Maxine Dexter of Oregon, Maxwell Frost of Florida, and Robert Garcia of California, landed in Central America on Sunday. Their visit follows a prior trip by Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen, highlighting the growing concern over García's situation.
The lawmakers intend to meet with officials at the U.S. embassy on Tuesday morning. Their discussions will focus on advocating for García’s release and inquiring about other individuals who have been transferred from the U.S. and are currently detained in El Salvador. According to a congressional aide, the delegation will also receive classified briefings during their visit, underscoring the seriousness of the situation.
Kilmar Ábrego García lived in the U.S. for over a decade before he was detained during a significant operation on March 15. Representative Yassamin Ansari expressed her deep concern regarding the implications of this case for the future of American democracy. In an interview with the Associated Press, she stated, “Even with all of the illegal actions we’ve seen over the last couple of months, I think this is the one that terrifies me the most when it comes to the future of our democracy.”
Representative Robert Garcia emphasized the importance of due process for Ábrego García, stating, “They’re trying to demonize him, and we’re not here to defend him. He deserves due process, and everyone deserves due process.” He reiterated that any allegations against García should be resolved through a judicial process rather than through administrative actions.
Ábrego García was sent to El Salvador despite having protected legal status that was supposed to prevent his deportation. He was transported alongside alleged gang members and is currently being held at the Terrorism Confinement Center (Cecot). While this facility has received support from some Republican lawmakers, it has also faced significant criticism from human rights advocates.
The Trump administration acknowledged in court filings that an “administrative error” led to García’s deportation, despite a 2019 immigration judge’s order that protected him. However, officials have stated they will not facilitate his return to his American wife and disabled child residing in Maryland. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the deportation, alleging that García was involved in human trafficking and terrorism, asserting that he would be deported again immediately upon his return to the U.S.
This controversial case has even attracted bipartisan attention, with Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana admitting on NBC’s Meet the Press that “the administration won’t admit it. But this was a screw-up.” Although Democrats hold limited leverage over the administration as minority party members in Congress, they are committed to maintaining public pressure regarding this issue. Ansari has indicated that more Democratic lawmakers are expected to visit El Salvador in the coming weeks to continue advocating for García's rights.
Jennifer Vasquez Sura, Ábrego García’s wife, expressed her gratitude for the lawmakers’ visit in a statement released on Monday. She remarked that their presence “sends a powerful message.” She added, “We’re deeply grateful to the members of Congress and advocates for justice now on the ground in El Salvador, building on the leadership of Senator Van Hollen.”
