Silver Spring, Maryland – Senator Chris Van Hollen raised concerns over the Trump administration’s handling of the mistaken deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, stating that it endangers the constitutional rights of all Americans. In a recent interview on CNN, Van Hollen highlighted how Abrego Garcia’s due process rights were being disregarded as he remains in El Salvador following the erroneous deportation.
Van Hollen expressed his dismay during an interview with CNN’s Dana Bash on “State of the Union,” emphasizing the broader implications of denying Abrego Garcia’s constitutional rights. The Maryland Democrat detailed his visit to El Salvador, where he faced initial difficulties in meeting with Abrego Garcia but eventually secured a meeting and learned about the harsh conditions the Maryland man was enduring in a local prison.
Despite admissions from the White House about the mistaken deportation of Abrego Garcia, both the Trump administration and the El Salvadoran government have refused to repatriate him to the United States. Van Hollen stressed the importance of upholding the rule of law in Abrego Garcia’s case, affirming that everyone deserves due process, regardless of their background or circumstances.
During his trip to El Salvador, Van Hollen discovered that there were no directives from the Trump administration to assist in facilitating Abrego Garcia’s release, further highlighting the lack of compliance with court orders. The senator also addressed attempts to portray Abrego Garcia as a violent criminal, refuting claims of his affiliation with the MS-13 gang and emphasizing the need for evidence to support such allegations.
In the face of criticism urging a shift in focus to other pressing issues, Van Hollen stood firm in his commitment to defending Abrego Garcia’s constitutional rights. He underscored the importance of advocating for individual rights as a means of safeguarding the rights of all citizens, emphasizing the administration’s obligation to adhere to legal mandates.
As the legal battle over Abrego Garcia’s deportation unfolds, Van Hollen continues to push for adherence to court orders and due process rights. He criticized the Trump administration for deflecting from the core issue at hand and urged a transparent and lawful resolution to the case. Amid ongoing challenges, Van Hollen remains dedicated to ensuring justice for Abrego Garcia and standing up for the rights of all individuals.