In a recent development that has sparked national and international concern, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen’s efforts to visit Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland resident wrongfully deported to El Salvador, were thwarted by Salvadoran authorities. Abrego Garcia, who had lived in the U.S. since 2011 and was granted protection from deportation in 2019, was mistakenly deported in March 2025 and is currently detained in El Salvador’s Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT), despite having no criminal record in either country.
Background: A Life Built in America
Kilmar Abrego Garcia fled gang violence in El Salvador at the age of 16, seeking safety and a better life in the United States. Settling in Maryland, he became a dedicated sheet metal apprentice, working diligently to support his U.S. citizen wife and their young son, who has autism and a hearing impairment. In 2019, an immigration judge recognized the dangers Abrego Garcia would face if returned to El Salvador and granted him protection from deportation.
Despite this legal safeguard, Abrego Garcia was arrested in March 2025 and deported to El Salvador due to what U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) later admitted was an “administrative error.” He was subsequently imprisoned in CECOT, a facility notorious for its harsh conditions and human rights concerns.
Senator Van Hollen’s Attempted Visit
In an effort to assess Abrego Garcia’s condition and advocate for his release, Senator Chris Van Hollen traveled to El Salvador. However, his request to meet with Abrego Garcia was denied by Salvadoran Vice President Félix Ulloa, who also refused to arrange a phone call or a meeting with Abrego Garcia’s family. Ulloa cited insufficient advance notice as the reason for the denial and indicated that the U.S. is funding Abrego Garcia’s incarceration, further complicating diplomatic efforts.
Senator Van Hollen expressed his frustration, stating, “This is a clear violation of human rights and due process. The U.S. government must take responsibility and work to bring Kilmar back home.”
Legal and Political Implications
The U.S. Supreme Court had previously ruled that the government must “facilitate” Abrego Garcia’s return. However, the administration has interpreted this as providing assistance only if El Salvador agrees to release him. President Nayib Bukele has refused to do so, asserting that he lacks the authority to return Abrego Garcia to the U.S.
This situation has raised significant concerns about the rule of law and due process. A federal judge described the deportation as “wholly lawless,” emphasizing that there was little to no evidence supporting the allegations against Abrego Garcia. The judge noted that the U.S. government had no legal authority to arrest or deport him, especially given the 2019 court order protecting him from removal to El Salvador.
Family and Community Support
Abrego Garcia’s family and community have rallied to support him during this ordeal. His wife, Jennifer Vasquez, expressed her anguish, saying, “Our son asks for his father every day. This has turned our lives upside down.”
Labor organizations have also voiced their support. Michael Coleman, General President of the Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers union, stated, “Kilmar is a hardworking individual who was building a life here. His wrongful deportation is an injustice that must be rectified.”
Conclusion
The case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia highlights the complexities and potential pitfalls within the immigration system. It underscores the importance of due process and the need for accountability when errors occur. As legal and diplomatic efforts continue, advocates hope for a resolution that will reunite Abrego Garcia with his family and restore faith in the justice system.
