Van Hollen Accuses Trump of Ignoring Court Orders, Creating Constitutional Crisis over Abrego Garcia Case

Senator Chris Van Hollen accused former President Donald Trump and his administration of causing a constitutional crisis by defying court orders related to the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland man mistakenly sent to El Salvador. Van Hollen, after visiting Abrego Garcia in a Salvadoran prison, emphasized that denying due process rights to one individual threatens the constitutional rights of all Americans. Courts, including the Supreme Court, have ordered the Trump administration to facilitate Abrego Garcia's return to the U.S., but the administration has argued that his fate is now in El Salvador's hands and has cited alleged gang affiliations, which Abrego Garcia's lawyers deny. Van Hollen insists that upholding due process is essential, regardless of the individual's immigration status, and warned that ignoring judicial rulings undermines the rule of law. He also dismissed criticism that this legal battle is a distraction, stating the protection of constitutional rights is paramount. The situation has sparked a broader debate about executive authority, judicial compliance, and human rights.