Democratic Lawmakers Plan Trip to El Salvador to Push for Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s Release
In a dramatic turn of events, Democratic lawmakers in the United States are rallying to correct what they describe as a grave mistake — the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland resident, to El Salvador. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), joined by progressive members of the House like Rep. Maxwell Frost (D-Fla.) and Rep. Yassamin Ansari (D-Ariz.), has announced plans to travel to El Salvador if the Biden administration fails to return Abrego Garcia to the U.S. by midweek.
The case has become a flashpoint in U.S. immigration policy, international diplomacy, and human rights — with deep implications for how deportations are managed and contested.
Who Is Kilmar Abrego Garcia?
Kilmar Abrego Garcia is a resident of Maryland who was deported to El Salvador, despite a 2019 court order prohibiting his removal due to the risk of persecution.
The U.S. Department of Justice has admitted that his deportation was a mistake.
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The Supreme Court recently ordered the U.S. government to "facilitate" his return, yet the situation remains unresolved.
Why Lawmakers Are Taking Action
1. Violation of Legal Protections
According to court documents, Abrego Garcia was protected under a 2019 ruling by an immigration judge. Deporting him anyway was a direct violation of that legal order.
2. Potential Human Rights Abuse
El Salvador's notorious prison system is known for housing gang members and for its harsh treatment of detainees. Lawmakers fear for Abrego Garcia's safety and health while in custody.
3. Presidential Comments Stir Controversy
El Salvador President Nayib Bukele, during a White House visit, called the idea of returning Abrego Garcia to the U.S. “preposterous,” sarcastically asking if he should “smuggle him into the United States.”
Lawmakers Vow to Travel to El Salvador
Van Hollen’s Statement
“If Mr. Abrego Garcia is not returned by midweek, I will travel to El Salvador to check on his condition and discuss his release,” said Sen. Chris Van Hollen.
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House Support
✅Rep. Maxwell Frost (D-Fla.): Called the situation “kidnapping and illegal detention,” and offered to organize House members for the trip.
✅Rep. Yassamin Ansari (D-Ariz.): Said she’s “ready to join” the delegation to demand justice.
What Is the U.S. Government's Role?
Despite the Justice Department's admission of error and the Supreme Court's directive, the Trump administration and White House officials have shown little urgency in resolving the issue.
Critics argue that this case exposes deeper flaws in U.S. immigration enforcement and foreign diplomacy.
What Happens Next?
1. Diplomatic Pressure
Van Hollen has requested a meeting with President Bukele via El Salvador’s U.S. embassy but is still awaiting a response.
2. Congressional Delegation to El Salvador
If there is no progress, a Congressional delegation could travel to El Salvador this week — an unprecedented move in recent U.S. political history.
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3. International Legal Debate
This case also touches on international human rights law, as detaining someone against the rulings of a U.S. court and the Supreme Court may violate bilateral agreements and conventions.
The Kilmar Abrego Garcia case could become a landmark moment in how the U.S. handles wrongful deportations and international detainment. With lawmakers ready to fly to El Salvador, and the President of that country refusing cooperation, this standoff tests the boundaries of international diplomacy, legal accountability, and human rights.
Keywords:
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