Democratic Senator Heads to El Salvador to Check on Suspected MS-13 Gang Member

Washington, D.C. – In the midst of an escalating controversy over the mistaken deportation of a Maryland resident to El Salvador, Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen has announced he will travel to El Salvador to “check on the wellbeing” of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a man the government alleges is linked to the MS-13 gang.

Background of the Case
Kilmar Abrego Garcia, 29, was apprehended by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) while working in Maryland. Despite a 2019 withholding order—which was intended to protect him from being deported due to risks of persecution by local gangs—Abrego Garcia was deported in March 2025. The administration later described the action as stemming from an “administrative error.” However, government officials have maintained that Abrego Garcia is connected to MS-13, a claim that his legal representatives have vigorously denied.

Political and Legal Reactions
The case has ignited fierce debate in both legal and political circles:

Senator Van Hollen’s Stance:
Senator Van Hollen argues that the deportation represents a gross violation of due process. He asserts that Abrego Garcia, a constituent of Maryland, should be afforded the protections of U.S. law and be allowed to challenge any charges against him in a proper judicial setting. “We must fight to ensure that every citizen is afforded their constitutional rights and that administrative mistakes like this are corrected immediately,” he said.

Judicial Oversight and Government Response:
Several federal judges have criticized the deportation, noting it contravenes court orders designed to protect individuals under valid protection orders. Although the administration has contended that the case involves national security concerns due to alleged gang ties, Abrego Garcia’s attorneys point out that there is no credible evidence linking him to MS-13—insisting that the removal was a clear error.

International Implications:
The controversy deepened when El Salvador’s President, Nayib Bukele, refused to facilitate Abrego Garcia’s return to the United States. Bukele stated, “How can I smuggle a terrorist into the United States?” emphasizing that he does not hold the authority to repatriate someone already in custody in El Salvador’s maximum-security Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT). This stance further underscores the growing friction between U.S. judicial mandates and executive actions, as well as the complex diplomatic challenges involved.

The Significance of the Senator’s Visit
Senator Van Hollen’s planned trip to El Salvador is seen as a symbolic and practical measure intended to:

Ensure Accountability: By visiting Abrego Garcia’s place of confinement, the senator aims to ascertain firsthand whether the individual’s human rights are being upheld while in custody.

Pressure Both Governments: The visit is part of a broader effort by Democratic lawmakers to pressure the Trump administration and the Salvadoran government to comply with court orders designed to secure Abrego Garcia’s safe return, thereby reinforcing the primacy of due process.

Highlight Systemic Issues: Supporters argue that the case exposes significant flaws in the current U.S. immigration system—ranging from administrative mishaps to the troubling politicization of deportations. Several Congressional Democrats have already indicated their willingness to join Van Hollen on the visit, viewing it as a necessary step to ensure oversight and human rights adherence.

Looking Ahead
As this story continues to develop, the visit by Senator Van Hollen is expected to spark further debate and may accelerate calls for comprehensive immigration reform. For now, the incident has not only strained relations between the U.S. and El Salvador but has also raised crucial questions about the balance between enforcing immigration laws and protecting individuals’ constitutional rights.