The Trump administration is currently embroiled in a contentious standoff regarding the deportation of Abrego Garcia, a native Salvadoran who was illegally removed from the U.S. last month. This situation has raised significant concerns among Democrats, who have criticized the administration's actions as lawless and unjust. Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen has been particularly vocal in advocating for Garcia's return, pledging to travel to El Salvador to assess his condition and discuss his release.
On Monday, Van Hollen announced his plans to visit El Salvador after President Nayib Bukele refused to meet with him during a recent visit to Washington, D.C. The senator departed for the Central American nation on Wednesday morning, emphasizing his commitment to bringing Abrego Garcia home. “The goal of this mission is to let the Trump administration and the government of El Salvador know that we will continue fighting for Abrego Garcia’s return to his family,” Van Hollen stated in a video posted from the airport.
Upon arrival in San Salvador, Van Hollen indicated that his first stop would be the U.S. embassy, where he aims to meet with government representatives and see Garcia, who has been described as a victim of unjust deportation.
In response to Van Hollen's visit, Tom Homan, the Trump administration's border czar, condemned the senator's actions on Fox News, labeling the trip as “disgusting.” Homan accused Van Hollen of prioritizing the interests of an alleged MS-13 gang member over public safety, particularly highlighting the case of Rachel Morin, a Maryland woman murdered by an undocumented immigrant. “He wasn’t abducted; he is an MS-13 gang member, classified as a terrorist,” Homan asserted, further branding Abrego Garcia as a “public safety threat.”
The Trump administration claims that Abrego Garcia’s deportation was justified based on previous immigration court proceedings that categorized him as a gang member. However, U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis, who ordered Garcia's return, has described the evidence linking him to gang activity as flimsy, relying on a tip from a confidential informant and his choice of clothing, such as wearing Chicago Bulls apparel. Moreover, government lawyers admitted that Garcia was deported in violation of federal law, as an immigration judge had previously determined he faced legitimate fears of persecution in El Salvador.
Judge Xinis announced an “intense” inquiry into the administration’s handling of Abrego Garcia’s case, stating that the Supreme Court had made it clear that the government must work to secure his return. “I’m cleaving as closely as one can cleave to the Supreme Court,” Xinis remarked, emphasizing the need to adhere to the court's directives.
As Van Hollen undertakes his mission to El Salvador, Vice President JD Vance defended the administration's stance on social media, attributing the chaos in the immigration system to President Joe Biden’s policies. Vance dismissed criticisms regarding due process, arguing that the challenges faced are a result of overwhelming illegal migration. “What process is due is a function of our resources and other factors,” Vance contended, questioning the practicality of providing jury trials to millions of undocumented immigrants.
The White House also issued a statement defending the deportation, asserting, “The criminal illegal immigrant is already home — he’s a Salvadoran citizen.” This reiteration of support for the administration's deportation strategy has prompted other Democrats to consider similar trips to El Salvador. Reports indicate that Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey is planning his own visit, while several House Democrats seek approval for an official trip known as a CODEL to the Central American nation.
Republicans in Congress have criticized Van Hollen’s visit, with Representative Diana Harshbarger (R-Tenn.) suggesting that Democrats should consider one-way flights for their journeys. In contrast, some House Republicans have been traveling to El Salvador to show support for Trump's deportation plans. Representative Riley Moore (R-W.Va.) shared photos from his visit to the CECOT mega-prison in El Salvador, expressing his determination to support the administration's efforts to secure U.S. borders.
This ongoing situation surrounding Abrego Garcia’s deportation has become a focal point in the political discourse surrounding immigration policies, drawing attention to the complexities of the U.S. immigration system and the implications of such deportations on individuals and their families.
