Van Hollen: ‘I am not defending the man, I am defending the rights of this man to due process’
Sen. Chris Van Hollen, a Democrat from Maryland, recently made headlines for his trip to El Salvador in defense of the Constitution rather than the individual, Kilmar Abrego Garcia. Despite facing criticism for his actions, Van Hollen stood firm in his belief that upholding the rule of law is paramount in ensuring justice for all.
Van Hollen’s journey to El Salvador was prompted by the deportation of Abrego Garcia, a Maryland resident who was sent back to his home country despite a court order prohibiting his removal due to safety concerns. The Trump administration claimed that Abrego Garcia had ties to the MS-13 gang, an allegation vehemently denied by his legal team and family.
Abrego Garcia, who had fled El Salvador in 2011 due to gang threats, is married to a U.S. citizen and is the father of a 5-year-old son with autism. After being detained by ICE in Maryland, he was transferred to a Texas detention center and subsequently deported in what the administration later admitted was an “administrative error.” Despite being under a final order of removal, Abrego Garcia’s case sparked outrage over the violation of his rights.
During his trip to El Salvador, Van Hollen was initially denied access to Abrego Garcia at the notorious CECOT prison. However, after persistent efforts, he was able to meet with him and hear about the traumatic experiences he had endured. Abrego Garcia shared details of his abduction, the conditions at the prison, and the impact on his young son with autism.
Van Hollen also criticized the role of El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele, accusing his government of complicity in the wrongful deportation and subsequent mistreatment of Abrego Garcia. He highlighted the importance of international law in ensuring proper communication with prisoners and condemned the deception by Salvadoran authorities during their meeting.
Despite facing criticism for his actions, Van Hollen remained steadfast in his commitment to upholding the rule of law and defending constitutional rights. He emphasized the need for due process and accountability, particularly in cases where individuals’ rights are at risk.
In response to accusations from Republicans that Democrats were defending a gang member, Van Hollen pushed back, asserting that protecting constitutional rights does not equate to condoning criminal behavior. He underscored the dangers of compromising individual rights in the name of combating gang violence and emphasized the importance of leadership that upholds the principles of justice and equality for all.
Overall, Sen. Chris Van Hollen’s trip to El Salvador shed light on the complexities of immigration enforcement and the importance of safeguarding constitutional rights in the face of political pressure. His unwavering dedication to justice and due process serves as a reminder of the critical role that elected officials play in upholding the principles of democracy and equality.
