Several congressional Democrats have called for the release of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a deportee and accused MS-13 member, from imprisonment in El Salvador and his return to Maryland. Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., has been in El Salvador attempting to secure Abrego Garcia’s release, but his efforts have been rejected by Salvadoran officials. Rep. Yassamin Ansari, D-Ariz., is planning a trip to El Salvador to assist Van Hollen in his efforts, stating that the situation represents a constitutional crisis and that Abrego Garcia’s rights are being violated. Several other Democratic lawmakers, including Reps. Maxwell Frost, D-Fla., and Robert Garcia, D-Calif., are also seeking authorization to visit the prison where Abrego Garcia is being held.
Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., is reportedly planning to visit the prison where Abrego Garcia is being held, although his office did not respond to inquiries. Rep. Delia Ramirez, D-Ill., has requested her own congressional delegation to El Salvador to investigate the use of the prison for deportations, which she believes are unconstitutional. Rep. Becca Balint, D-Vt., suggested that a trip to El Salvador may be necessary to advocate for the release of Abrego Garcia and others who have been affected by what she describes as attacks on constitutional rights by the Trump administration.
In contrast, at least two Republicans have also visited the prison where Abrego Garcia is held, with Rep. Riley Moore, R-W.Va., highlighting the violence of many recent U.S. deportees. House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith, R-Mo., criticized Democrats in Congress for urging the release of foreign criminals back into the U.S. Homeland Security released documents this week allegedly proving Abrego Garcia’s ties to MS-13 and a history of violence, although his lawyers deny these claims. His wife has also accused him of being a violent repeat wife beater.
The situation surrounding Kilmar Abrego Garcia has sparked a debate among lawmakers about the legality and morality of his imprisonment in El Salvador and potential return to the U.S. Democratic lawmakers are calling for his release and have made requests to visit the prison where he is being held. Several Republicans have also visited the prison, with some citing concerns about the security threats posed by deportees like Abrego Garcia. The conflicting narratives about Abrego Garcia’s alleged gang ties and violent history highlight the complex legal and ethical considerations at play in this case. Both Democrats and Republicans are using Abrego Garcia’s case to make broader arguments about immigration policy and national security.
