Democratic Lawmakers Visit El Salvador, Advocate for Deported Immigrant's Release

Four Democratic U.S. representatives traveled to El Salvador to advocate for the release of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland resident mistakenly deported by the Trump administration despite a court order barring his removal. The lawmakers are pressing the administration to comply with a U.S. Supreme Court decision requiring Abrego Garcia’s return, criticizing what they describe as a disregard for due process and judicial authority. The Trump administration has acknowledged an administrative error in the deportation but maintains that Abrego Garcia, who fled El Salvador as a teenager to escape violence and has no criminal convictions, is affiliated with the MS-13 gang—a claim he and his family deny. During their visit, the lawmakers plan to meet with U.S. embassy officials and human rights groups, and highlight broader concerns about due process for other detainees. Their trip follows a similar visit by Senator Chris Van Hollen, who met with Abrego Garcia and called for his release. The Congressional delegation is self-funded after a request for official travel was denied by House Oversight Committee leadership.