Sen. Van Hollen Advocates for Wrongfully Deported Garcia

Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) traveled to El Salvador to visit Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland resident wrongfully deported and imprisoned there following an administrative error acknowledged by the Trump administration. Salvadoran authorities initially blocked Van Hollen's visit, and President Bukele later staged a controversial photo suggesting Garcia was being treated well, despite reports of harsh prison conditions. Although President Trump and some U.S. officials continue to accuse Garcia of MS-13 ties, court findings and statements from his lawyers confirm he has no criminal convictions. The U.S. Supreme Court has ordered efforts to return Garcia, but the administration claims it cannot secure his release from foreign custody, creating a legal standoff. Van Hollen's advocacy has drawn criticism from Trump, conservative media, and some Maryland officials, who argue he is neglecting local crime victims. Garcia's wife has expressed relief at his survival but continues to fight for his return.