Senator Visits Deported Marylander Held in El Salvador

Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) traveled to El Salvador to meet Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland resident deported by the Trump administration despite a court order barring his removal. The government accused Garcia of MS-13 gang affiliation, though he has no U.S. criminal convictions. The Supreme Court and multiple federal judges have condemned the administration's refusal to comply with orders to facilitate Garcia's return, calling the actions a violation of due process. Van Hollen's visit sparked both praise for defending the rule of law and criticism for not supporting crime victims' families, highlighting partisan divides over immigration. El Salvador's President Bukele publicly posted photos of Van Hollen and Garcia together and confirmed Garcia remains in Salvadoran custody. The case remains a flashpoint in debates about executive authority, judicial oversight, and U.S. immigration policy.