House Democrats Denied Visit to Imprisoned Salvadoran Father Kilmar Abrego Garcia

On a recent trip to El Salvador, a delegation of four House Democrats, including Yassamin Ansari, Maxine Dexter, Maxwell Frost, and Robert Garcia, were prevented from meeting with Kilmar Abrego Garcia. The Salvadoran immigrant and father, who was wrongfully deported from Maryland, remains imprisoned in his home country after being moved from the Terrorism Confinement Center earlier this month.

This visit follows Senator Chris Van Hollen's prior meeting with Abrego Garcia, where he was able to speak with him for about an hour last week. During a news conference, Frost expressed disappointment, indicating that they received "absolutely zero indication" from the Trump administration that it intends to act on the Supreme Court and lower court orders for Abrego Garcia's release. He emphasized the broader implications of the case, reminding that due process is a right that applies to everyone in the country.

Abrego Garcia, who left El Salvador as a teenager in 2011, now works as a sheet-metal apprentice in Maryland and lives there with his U.S. citizen wife and children. The circumstances surrounding his initial deportation on March 15 are drawing attention, especially since a 2019 court order had prohibited his removal for humanitarian reasons.

Despite the Trump administration's rationale for his detention, citing serious allegations of criminal activity, critics believe he deserves to return to the U.S. to have those claims addressed in court, rather than undergoing deportation without due process. Frost noted that the trip to El Salvador was driven by the overwhelming calls from constituents, particularly from immigrant communities, urging Democrats to take action.

After learning about Abrego Garcia's transfer out of the CECOT facility, the Trump administration indicated he is now being held in a different location, Centro Industrial, equipped with more comfortable accommodations. However, Frost stressed the urgent need for clarity regarding Abrego Garcia's current condition and well-being, reflecting a commitment among Democrats to continue fighting for his rights.

Moreover, House Republicans have opposed funding a congressional delegation to El Salvador, with committee chairmen deeming the requests unnecessary and a potential misuse of taxpayer money. Consequently, the traveling Democrats financed their trip privately. Notably, several Republican representatives have recently toured El Salvador, including the controversial detention facilities, which have faced condemnation from human rights advocates.

A statement from Abrego Garcia’s family conveyed deep concern for his health and a desire for updates following the visit, asserting that their advocacy efforts will persist. The Supreme Court had previously ruled that the administration must "facilitate" his release from custody, highlighting the importance of due process in accordance with constitutional rights.