Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland recently met with Kilmar Abrego Garcia, an undocumented immigrant who was deported to El Salvador and is now being held in a high-security prison. Their meeting took place in El Salvador, where President Nayib Bukele shared photos of the two chatting over drinks, poking fun at rumors suggesting Abrego Garcia was in dire conditions.
Van Hollen, who described Abrego Garcia as a “constituent,” expressed concern over what he called an “abduction and unlawful deportation.” He traveled to El Salvador with the goal of meeting him, especially after facing obstacles in checking on Abrego Garcia’s welfare. Earlier attempts to visit him at the Terrorism Confinement Center were blocked by soldiers.
In a tweet, Van Hollen shared his experience, stating he had called Abrego Garcia’s wife, Jennifer, to convey her husband’s message of love. He promised to provide a full update upon returning home.
Abrego Garcia, a 29-year-old from El Salvador, had been living in Maryland after receiving permission from a judge to stay in the U.S. in 2019. However, he was deported last month amid a crackdown on illegal immigration by the Trump administration. His case has sparked significant legal battles, especially after the Supreme Court ruled that the government must help facilitate his return, although the administration has claimed the deportation was a mistake.
The government has accused Abrego Garcia of being linked to the gang MS-13, a claim his lawyers dispute. In a recent court ruling, a panel noted that, regardless of the allegations, he is entitled to due process.
As the case gained attention, more information surfaced about Abrego Garcia, including a restraining order related to an incident involving his wife. She has since stated that they have worked through their issues.
During a previous meeting with President Trump, Bukele stated he would not send Abrego Garcia back to the U.S., questioning how he could return a person labeled a terrorist. Following the meeting between Van Hollen and Abrego Garcia, Bukele tweeted again, confirming Abrego Garcia’s well-being and stating he would remain in custody in El Salvador.