Chicago Monday, April 21, 2025
House Democrats Demand Release of Wrongfully Deported Salvadoran Citizen
Four US Representatives, Robert Garcia, Maxwell Frost, Yassamin Ansari, and Maxine Dexter, have traveled to El Salvador to demand the release and return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran citizen wrongfully deported from the US. Abrego Garcia lived in Maryland but was sent to a prison in El Salvador due to an “administrative error” by the Trump administration.
Background of the Case
Despite a Supreme Court order to facilitate his return, the Trump administration has refused to bring Abrego Garcia back to the US. An immigration judge had previously ruled that Abrego Garcia should not be deported to El Salvador because he would likely face persecution. However, the administration claims he was deported due to alleged ties to the MS-13 gang, which his lawyers deny.
Bipartisan Criticism
The Trump administration’s decision is facing criticism from both Democrats and Republicans. The White House claims it cannot force the Salvadoran government to release Abrego Garcia, while El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele calls the idea of his release “preposterous.”
Ongoing Efforts
A federal court recently denied the Trump administration’s appeal of the court’s return order. The House Democrats hope to pressure the White House to abide by the Supreme Court’s order and bring Abrego Garcia back to the US. Their trip to El Salvador is not funded by taxpayers.
Reactions from US Officials
Some US officials have visited El Salvador recently, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who met with President Bukele. Senator Chris Van Hollen, a Maryland Democrat, met with Abrego Garcia last week. Reps. Garcia and Frost’s request for congressional travel funds and security for the trip was rejected by Republican Representatives James Comer and Mark Green.
