Republicans Block Funds for Deportee Prison Visit

House Republican committee chairs denied Democrats' requests to use official funds for travel to El Salvador to visit Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran national deported by the Trump administration despite court orders. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) managed to meet with Abrego Garcia, who remains detained under contested conditions, and called for his release while raising concerns about due process and constitutional rights. Salvadoran officials initially blocked the meeting and later staged misleading photos to depict the encounter as relaxed. The Trump administration has labeled Abrego Garcia an MS-13 member, a claim his lawyers and wife dispute, arguing the deportation violated due process. The case is intensifying partisan debate, with Republicans criticizing the Democrats' efforts and Democrats warning of civil liberties violations. The situation continues to highlight broader conflicts over U.S. immigration policy and non-citizen rights.