Senator Chris Van Hollen traveled to El Salvador in a bid to secure the release of Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, a Maryland resident who was wrongly deported to El Salvador despite legal protections. Despite Van Hollen’s efforts, El Salvador’s government refused his requests to see and free Abrego Garcia. The Supreme Court has ordered Abrego Garcia’s return to the U.S., a directive currently unfulfilled by the Trump administration.

Van Hollen’s mission aimed to highlight the injustice faced by Abrego Garcia, who is detained in a notorious mega-prison. The Senator expressed determination to continue fighting for Abrego Garcia’s return to his family, emphasizing the need for justice in the case. Despite challenges in meeting Abrego Garcia in person, Van Hollen remains committed to seeking ways to communicate with him, including through the American embassy.

In response to Van Hollen’s advocacy, the White House criticized his efforts, asserting that Abrego Garcia would be deported if he returned to the U.S. The White House accused Van Hollen of potentially misusing taxpayer funds for his trip and criticized Democrats for supporting Abrego Garcia’s release instead of focusing on border security.

Amidst the escalating legal and political battle surrounding Abrego Garcia’s case, other lawmakers are also considering visits to El Salvador. Republicans and Democrats have expressed contrasting views on the issue, with some supporting Trump’s deportation agenda and others advocating for oversight and checks on the treatment of individuals like Abrego Garcia in detention facilities.