Senator Van Hollen Accuses Trump and GOP of Constitutional Crisis Over Abrego Garcia's Case

On Sunday, Senator Chris Van Hollen criticized Donald Trump and the Republican Party for creating a constitutional crisis in the United States by disregarding court mandates and discussing the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia on social media. Van Hollen confirmed the status of Abrego Garcia, a Maryland man deported to El Salvador who is currently imprisoned, after his recent visit. He revealed that Abrego Garcia had been moved from the CECOT prison, known for its severe conditions, which have raised concerns about adherence to international human rights standards.

During a busy media tour, appearing on significant national broadcast networks, Van Hollen reiterated his stance that the violation of Abrego Garcia's due process rights represents a broader threat to everyone's constitutional protections in America. The senator explained to CNN that allowing the Trump administration to sidestep these rights could set a concerning precedent. He argued that if one person’s constitutional rights can be denied, it opens the door for the erosion of rights for all citizens.

Van Hollen expressed his discontent with the Trump administration's refusal to engage with the El Salvadoran government to facilitate Abrego Garcia's return. He pointed out that they were ignoring a Supreme Court order while making light of the situation on social media, stating the current president was acting outside the bounds of the law. He emphasized that the administration’s defiance of court rulings could lead to broader implications for due process across the nation.

Interestingly, the discontent surrounding Van Hollen’s visit was not limited to Republicans; some Democratic centrist members also downplayed the significance of the situation, framing it as a mere distraction. California Governor Gavin Newsom characterized it as the “distraction of the day” in a podcast discussion. In response, Van Hollen expressed frustration toward leaders who lack the resolve to defend the Constitution, asserting they should not be in positions of leadership.

Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who sought asylum in 2019, was granted protections against deportation after presenting credible fears of gang retaliation if returned to his home country. His case faced scrutiny, with federal prosecutors alleging gang affiliations supported by unsubstantiated evidence, which included a police report claiming he was a gang member. Yet, Abrego Garcia has not faced any formal charges tied to that investigation.

As tensions rise, the White House and the El Salvadoran government, led by President Nayib Bukele, continue to mock Democrats and Abrego Garcia's family. During a recent Oval Office meeting, Bukele referred to Abrego Garcia as a “terrorist,” a claim not substantiated by U.S. or El Salvadoran authorities, emphasizing the fraught political landscape surrounding this case as Democrats explore legal avenues to uphold the Supreme Court's unanimous ruling favoring Abrego Garcia.