Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) recently met with Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a 29-year-old who was deported from the United States to El Salvador. Van Hollen considers Abrego Garcia a constituent of Maryland and believes he was wrongfully deported. During their meeting, Van Hollen chose not to ask Abrego Garcia if he has ever been a member of the notorious MS-13 gang, stating he already knew the answer. Abrego Garcia expressed sadness and trauma over his situation, which Van Hollen highlighted as a key issue regarding due process rights.
The meeting has drawn attention amid ongoing debate about Abrego Garcia’s immigration case. He was deported last month despite a 2019 court order that prohibited his return to El Salvador. His legal team is currently fighting the federal government in court to bring him back to the U.S.
The Trump administration has accused Abrego Garcia of being associated with MS-13, a gang designated as a foreign terrorist organization. They have released documents, including a police interview sheet, which allegedly identifies him as a gang member. However, Abrego Garcia’s attorneys deny these claims.
Following the meeting, El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele shared photos of Abrego Garcia and Van Hollen on social media. One image showed tattoos on Abrego Garcia’s knuckles, which some interpreted as potential gang symbols.
In response to the controversy, President Trump posted on social media, displaying a photo of a hand with tattoos that he claimed belonged to Abrego Garcia. Trump criticized Democrats for advocating for Abrego Garcia’s return, pointing to the tattoos and past allegations, including an incident where Abrego Garcia was accused of domestic violence. Trump emphasized the importance of deporting individuals he considers a threat to public safety.
Van Hollen countered Trump’s narrative, insisting that the focus should be on the legal process rather than social media. He pointed out that a federal court judge stated there was no evidence linking Abrego Garcia to MS-13 or any terrorist activities. Van Hollen urged the Trump administration to address these allegations in court rather than in public forums.