Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen from Maryland has now reportedly threatened to travel to El Salvador if the U.S. government does not return Kilmar Abrego Garcia, an alleged MS-13 gang member who was deported to El Salvador last month.
Van Hollen issued this ultimatum on Monday, stating he intends to meet with El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele, who is currently in Washington, D.C., for talks with President Donald Trump.
Van Hollen insists that Garcia should not have been “abducted and illegally deported,” emphasizing that court rulings stipulate he must be returned to the U.S.
He expressed frustration over what he perceives as the Trump administration’s disregard for these court mandates and noted, “We need to take additional action.”
If Garcia is not back by midweek, he plans to travel to El Salvador to assess the situation and advocate for Garcia’s release.
The Trump administration has accused Garcia of being affiliated with MS-13, although his attorneys have contested these claims, stating that no evidence exists to support such allegations.
The Supreme Court recently ruled that the government must facilitate—but not necessarily enforce—Garcia’s return during ongoing legal proceedings.
During their meeting, President Bukele rejected the idea of sending Garcia back, questioning how he could “smuggle a terrorist into the United States.” This response reflects his firm stance on the matter.
Van Hollen’s efforts have drawn criticism from some Republican representatives, including Rep. Mary Miller, who argued that the focus should be on domestic issues rather than advocating for individuals who shouldn’t be in the U.S.
The senator also reached out to El Salvador’s ambassador in the U.S. to expedite a meeting with Bukele.
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