Democratic Representatives from various states have arrived in El Salvador to advocate for the release of a Maryland resident, Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, who has been wrongfully deported back to his native country.
Democratic Lawmakers Push for Wrongfully Deported Maryland Resident's Release in El Salvador
Democratic Lawmakers Push for Wrongfully Deported Maryland Resident's Release in El Salvador
Four U.S. Congress members visit El Salvador to advocate for Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia's safe return following a wrongful deportation.
In a focused diplomatic effort, Representatives Robert Garcia (California), Maxwell Alejandro Frost (Florida), Yassamin Ansari (Arizona), and Maxine E. Dexter (Oregon) landed in El Salvador on Sunday, aiming to bring attention to what they view as a grave injustice under the Trump administration. Their goal is to press Salvadoran officials for the swift return of Abrego Garcia, who is currently held in a prison situation in the country.
“I’m here because Kilmar Abrego Garcia is being held illegally in El Salvador after being wrongfully deported,” stated Representative Garcia, highlighting the legal uncertainties surrounding the case. "Kidnapping immigrants and deporting them without due process is not how we do things in America."
This visit follows a recent trip by Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen, who successfully met with Abrego Garcia after initial resistance from the Salvadoran government. Abrego Garcia, who had been residing in Maryland with his family, was detained and sent back to El Salvador under accusations of gang affiliations—an assertion that was deemed unfounded by U.S. courts.
A judge had previously ruled in 2019 that his return to El Salvador would endanger his life, and a subsequent federal court ruling confirmed that he should be brought back to the U.S. However, Trump administration officials claimed the deportation was lawful after initially admitting it was a mistake.
The congress members plan to engage with U.S. Embassy officials and human rights organizations during their trip to understand better the ongoing plight of other individuals who have faced similar deportation issues. Their advocacy seeks not just to secure the release of Abrego Garcia but also aims to shed light on the humanitarian concerns impacting those deported to El Salvador.
“I’m here because Kilmar Abrego Garcia is being held illegally in El Salvador after being wrongfully deported,” stated Representative Garcia, highlighting the legal uncertainties surrounding the case. "Kidnapping immigrants and deporting them without due process is not how we do things in America."
This visit follows a recent trip by Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen, who successfully met with Abrego Garcia after initial resistance from the Salvadoran government. Abrego Garcia, who had been residing in Maryland with his family, was detained and sent back to El Salvador under accusations of gang affiliations—an assertion that was deemed unfounded by U.S. courts.
A judge had previously ruled in 2019 that his return to El Salvador would endanger his life, and a subsequent federal court ruling confirmed that he should be brought back to the U.S. However, Trump administration officials claimed the deportation was lawful after initially admitting it was a mistake.
The congress members plan to engage with U.S. Embassy officials and human rights organizations during their trip to understand better the ongoing plight of other individuals who have faced similar deportation issues. Their advocacy seeks not just to secure the release of Abrego Garcia but also aims to shed light on the humanitarian concerns impacting those deported to El Salvador.
