Republican leaders in the House have turned down a request from Democrats to visit a large prison in El Salvador where deportees are held. This decision was made public by House Oversight Chairman James Comer from Kentucky, who shared a letter rejecting the request from Representatives Robert Garcia of California and Maxwell Frost of Florida.
In his social media post, Comer expressed his disapproval, stating, “If Democrats wish to travel to El Salvador and meet with a foreign illegal MS-13 gang member, they can spend their own money to do so.” He emphasized that he would not authorize any taxpayer funds for the proposed trip.
The Democrats wanted to visit the Terrorism Confinement Center, known as CECOT, to check on the welfare of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a 29-year-old man from Maryland. He was deported to El Salvador last month, despite a court order that barred his removal. Garcia’s legal team is currently fighting to bring him back to the U.S., claiming he was wrongfully deported.
Abrego Garcia has been accused by the Trump administration of being associated with the MS-13 gang, which is classified as a foreign terrorist organization. His attorneys deny these claims, arguing that he is not involved with the gang. Comer pointed out that the Democrats’ request to visit Abrego Garcia was concerning, especially since he has a history of domestic violence and is suspected of human trafficking.
Comer’s letter also highlighted the Democrats’ previous stance on immigration issues, suggesting that it was hypocritical for them to seek funding for a trip to meet someone they label as a gang member after criticizing the government’s handling of border security.
Meanwhile, Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen from Maryland recently traveled to El Salvador and met with Abrego Garcia. He described him as a “constituent” who faced an unlawful deportation. Van Hollen shared that Abrego Garcia had been moved to a different detention center with better conditions. The senator faced criticism for this meeting, with Comer mocking the situation by referencing photos of Van Hollen enjoying drinks in El Salvador.
Other Republican leaders, like Rep. Mark Green from Tennessee, also rejected requests from Democrats to visit Abrego Garcia. Green stated that it was inappropriate for Democrats to use taxpayer money to support what he called a transnational gang member and domestic abuser.
In contrast, Rep. Jason Smith from Missouri recently shared images from his own visit to CECOT, where he noted that the prison now houses illegal immigrants who have committed violent crimes against Americans. He criticized Democrats for advocating for the release of such individuals.
This ongoing debate highlights the deep divisions in Congress regarding immigration policy and the treatment of deported individuals, especially those accused of serious crimes.