El Salvador's Efforts to Block Meeting with Deported Man, Legal Battle Continues

Senator Chris Van Hollen stated that the government of El Salvador made significant efforts to prevent him from seeing Kilmar Abrego Garcia. He believes the Salvadoran government eventually reversed course because they realized it would be perceived negatively.

Abrego Garcia, a 29-year-old Salvadoran national who previously resided in Maryland, was sent to El Salvador's CECOT prison last month as part of a White House initiative. The administration later admitted in court that his deportation was a mistake. The case has gained attention amid tensions between the federal judiciary and the Trump administration's immigration policies.

Van Hollen traveled to El Salvador last week and met with Abrego Garcia after his initial attempts were rejected by the Salvadoran government. He held press conferences in El Salvador, highlighting the government's alleged violation of international law by denying access to Abrego Garcia.

Following the meeting, El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele announced it on social media, sharing photos of the senator and Abrego Garcia. Van Hollen noted that the Salvadoran government attempted to deceive people, describing how drinks were brought to the table during the meeting but remained untouched. He stated that the photos were staged to create a false impression of Abrego Garcia's situation.

Abrego Garcia entered the U.S. unlawfully in 2011 and was arrested in 2019. An immigration judge granted him withholding of removal, preventing his deportation. Van Hollen mentioned that Abrego Garcia has since been moved from CECOT to a facility in Santa Ana. A State Department official reported that Abrego Garcia told the senator he was in a separate room with furniture at Centro Industrial.

The Trump administration has acknowledged that Abrego Garcia's removal was an "administrative error." A legal battle is ongoing regarding his return to the U.S. The administration was ordered to facilitate his return, but the White House and Bukele have indicated they do not intend to comply. The administration has claimed Abrego Garcia is linked to the MS-13 gang, but Van Hollen stated that no evidence has been presented. He urged officials to present evidence in court.

Van Hollen said his primary purpose in traveling to El Salvador was to ensure Abrego Garcia's well-being. He also emphasized that the case has broader implications, arguing that violating one person's constitutional rights threatens the rights of all Americans.