Democratic Lawmakers Advocate Release of Kilmar Abrego Garcia in El Salvador

Four Democratic lawmakers—Reps. Yassamin Ansari, Maxine Dexter, Robert Garcia, and Maxwell Frost—have traveled to El Salvador to advocate for the release and return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran national deported by the Trump administration, following a similar visit by Sen. Chris Van Hollen. The lawmakers argue that Abrego Garcia, whom they describe as a Maryland resident and union member, was wrongfully deported despite a unanimous Supreme Court ruling requiring the U.S. to facilitate his return, and that his detention lacks due process. They have criticized the Trump administration for allegedly defying the Supreme Court and endangering democratic norms. Their trip was self-funded after Congress declined to approve taxpayer support for the visit. Critics, including the White House and some conservative commentators, accuse the Democrats of prioritizing the rights of an alleged MS-13 member and illegal immigrant over American citizens, highlighting accusations against Abrego Garcia. The trip has intensified debate over immigration policy, due process, and the proper role of lawmakers in such high-profile deportation cases.