Rep. Luna to meet El Salvador's President Bukele next month

Florida Republican Rep. Anna Paulina Luna announced she will meet with El Salvador President Nayib Bukele on May 8, following a personal invitation. Luna emphasized the meeting will focus on strengthening U.S.-El Salvador relations, particularly regarding safety, freedom, and human rights, contrasting her approach with recent visits by Democratic lawmakers. The announcement comes amid controversy over the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, whom the Trump administration accused of MS-13 ties, and whose case has drawn multiple Congressional visits to El Salvador. While Sen. Chris Van Hollen and other Democrats traveled to El Salvador to advocate for Abrego Garcia’s return, Luna criticized their efforts and asserted her trip would not be taxpayer-funded. There is bipartisan interest in the visit, with Luna’s caucus co-chair, Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, expected to attend. Disputes remain over Abrego Garcia’s alleged gang affiliation and the process surrounding his deportation.