Maryland Rep. Ivey Denied Access to Deported Salvadoran Prisoner in El Salvador

Maryland Rep. Glenn Ivey recently traveled to El Salvador to visit Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran living in Maryland who was wrongly deported by the Trump administration and detained in a Salvadoran prison. Despite formal arrangements with U.S. and Salvadoran officials, Ivey was denied access to see Abrego Garcia due to bureaucratic hurdles requiring a permit that was reportedly not being granted to visitors, including family members. Ivey expressed frustration and anger over the treatment, calling it a runaround and emphasizing the need to confirm Abrego Garcia's condition and due process. The case has become politically contentious, with the Trump administration labeling Abrego Garcia as an MS-13 gang member and human trafficker, while Democrats argue he was deported without due process and highlight that a federal judge ruled his return must be facilitated. Ivey also raised concerns about other deportees, including Venezuelans and those sent to South Sudan, being held indefinitely in harsh conditions without criminal charges, and noted Congress has limited information about U.S. contracts with countries housing deportees. The Trump administration defers responsibility to the Salvadoran government, despite court rulings mandating Abrego Garcia's return.