Senator to Travel to El Salvador to Push for Deported Man's Release

Senator Chris Van Hollen announced his upcoming trip to El Salvador on Wednesday. The purpose of his visit is to advocate for the release of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a man the Justice Department has acknowledged was mistakenly deported.

Van Hollen stated his intention to visit Abrego Garcia to assess his well-being and engage in constructive discussions with government officials regarding his release. He emphasized the urgency of returning Abrego Garcia safely to Maryland, describing his deportation as unlawful.

The Senator's travel plans follow a letter sent to El Salvador's ambassador to the United States, requesting a meeting with President Nayib Bukele. Earlier, during a White House meeting with President Donald Trump, Bukele indicated he would not send Abrego Garcia back to the United States.

Several Democratic lawmakers have expressed their willingness to travel to El Salvador to seek Abrego Garcia's release. Representative Maxwell Frost stated the need for a united front against the detention, offering to join Van Hollen and assist in organizing other House members. Representative Yassamin Ansari also expressed her readiness to join her colleagues in demanding Abrego Garcia's release.

The effort to return Abrego Garcia began after Justice Department officials admitted their error in deporting him. A 2019 immigration court order had prohibited his deportation to El Salvador due to potential persecution. The Supreme Court recently instructed the administration to "facilitate" his return.

President Trump, in an interview, stated that the decision to return Abrego Garcia rests with the Salvadoran government. Meanwhile, a Department of Homeland Security official indicated the federal government could "facilitate" Abrego Garcia's entry into the United States if he appeared at a port of entry, while also acknowledging the risk of a second removal.

A judge presiding over Abrego Garcia's case is considering contempt proceedings against the Trump administration for its inaction. Trump administration officials have argued that the situation is now beyond their control. During his White House visit, Bukele dismissed the idea of returning Abrego Garcia.

The White House has not shown any signs of pushing for Abrego Garcia's return. Trump has repeatedly highlighted his efforts to deport alleged gang members to El Salvador. During the White House meeting, Trump also suggested deporting U.S. citizens, a move criticized by immigration advocates.

Van Hollen expressed his belief that Bukele would reconsider his position once he understood the full details of the situation. He added that he did not believe Bukele would want to be seen as the president who had "kidnapped" a U.S. citizen. Van Hollen also mentioned that he had requested a meeting with Bukele through the Salvadoran Embassy but had not yet received a response.