Senator Chris Van Hollen criticizes Trump administration’s handling of Abrego Garcia deportation case

In a recent interview, Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen strongly criticized the Trump administration’s handling of the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland resident who was mistakenly deported to El Salvador. Van Hollen argued that the actions surrounding Abrego Garcia’s deportation not only violate his constitutional rights but also threaten the rights of every American citizen.

The case revolves around the mistaken deportation of Abrego Garcia, an undocumented immigrant from El Salvador who had been granted a court order in 2019 to stay in the United States due to fears of persecution. However, last month, he was wrongfully deported to El Salvador. The White House has acknowledged the error but has indicated that Abrego Garcia will not be returned to the U.S., citing the stance of both the Trump administration and the Salvadoran government.

Van Hollen, who met with Abrego Garcia in El Salvador, emphasized that the senator’s constitutional rights were being disregarded. “If we deny the constitutional rights of this one man, it threatens the constitutional rights of everybody in America,” Van Hollen said during an interview with CNN’s Dana Bash on the network’s program, State of the Union.

The senator had traveled to El Salvador to meet with Abrego Garcia, but his efforts were initially obstructed. He was denied a meeting with the deported man, but after much persistence, he was able to speak with him. According to Van Hollen, Abrego Garcia described being “traumatized” in the harsh conditions of the notorious CECOT prison in El Salvador. Following the meeting, Van Hollen confirmed that the detainee was moved to a different facility, where conditions were improved.

In the wake of the deportation, the legal situation has remained tense, with the Trump administration defying court orders and showing no indication of facilitating Abrego Garcia’s return to the U.S. Despite the Supreme Court’s ruling that the administration must assist in the man’s return, the Trump administration has refused to take action, and U.S. embassy officials in El Salvador reported that they have received no direction to help bring him back.

During his interview with CNN, Van Hollen expressed frustration with the administration’s handling of the case. “Facilitate does not mean you do nothing,” he argued, noting the government's failure to comply with the court’s ruling. The administration has also attempted to shift the narrative by portraying Abrego Garcia as a member of the violent MS-13 gang, though his family and legal team have denied these allegations.

When asked by Dana Bash whether he believed Abrego Garcia should be deported if due process was followed, Van Hollen responded, “I’m OK with whatever the rule of law dictates.” However, he made it clear that the focus should remain on ensuring that the constitutional rights of individuals are protected. “It’s never wrong to fight for the constitutional rights of one person,” Van Hollen stated. “If we give up on one person’s rights, we threaten everybody’s rights.”

The senator further criticized those who suggested that Democrats focus on other issues, such as the economy or tariffs, instead of standing up for an individual’s rights. Van Hollen pointed out that anyone unwilling to defend the Constitution does not deserve to lead.

The controversy surrounding Abrego Garcia’s deportation case continues to unfold, with public outcry over the perceived injustice. The Trump administration’s stance on the matter and its ongoing legal battles make it clear that this case could have far-reaching implications for the future of due process and human rights in America.