Politicians thrive on public opinion. But when it turns against them, it’s over.
Now an unsettling photo of this Democrat Senator could completely destroy his career.
High-Stakes Diplomatic Encounter in El Salvador
Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) finally met with Kilmar Abrego Garcia, an undocumented immigrant deported from the U.S. to a mega-prison in El Salvador, after persistent efforts to verify his well-being.
The meeting, which took place on Thursday, was publicized by El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele, who shared images of Van Hollen, Abrego Garcia, and another individual conversing over drinks.
In a sarcastic post on X, Bukele mocked claims of Abrego Garcia’s mistreatment, stating, “Kilmar Abrego Garcia, miraculously risen from the ‘death camps’ & ‘torture’, now sipping margaritas with Sen. Van Hollen in the tropical paradise of El Salvador!” Van Hollen shared his own photo of the encounter, confirming the meeting and noting, “I said my main goal of this trip was to meet with Kilmar.
Tonight I had that chance. I have called his wife, Jennifer, to pass along his message of love. I look forward to providing a full update upon my return.”
Tensions Over Deportation and Due Process
Van Hollen’s trip to El Salvador earlier this week was driven by his determination to check on Abrego Garcia, whom he described as a “constituent” subjected to an “abduction and unlawful deportation.”
The 29-year-old, who had been living in Maryland after receiving permission to stay in the U.S. in 2019, was deported last month amid the Trump administration’s intensified immigration crackdown. Van Hollen faced obstacles, including a denied request to visit Abrego Garcia and being blocked by soldiers at the Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT).
Undeterred, he vowed to “keep at this” to ensure Abrego Garcia’s “rights to due process.”
The case has sparked a legal battle, with a recent Supreme Court ruling mandating that the government “facilitate” Abrego Garcia’s return, though not necessarily ensure it.
A U.S. appeals court panel reinforced this, stating, “The government asserts that Abrego Garcia is a terrorist and a member of MS-13. Perhaps, but perhaps not. Regardless, he is still entitled to due process.”
Allegations and International Standoff
The Trump administration has labeled Abrego Garcia a member of the MS-13 gang, designated as a foreign terror organization, and released documents to support this claim, though his attorneys deny the affiliation.
The deportation, initially called an “administrative error” in court, was later attributed by White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller to a “saboteur” in the Justice Department.
Further scrutiny revealed a restraining order accusing Abrego Garcia of domestic violence against his wife, Jennifer Vasquez Sura, though she now says they resolved the issue. During a White House meeting, Bukele firmly rejected calls to return Abrego Garcia, declaring, “How can I smuggle a terrorist into the United States?” and adding, “I don’t have the power to return him.”
After the Van Hollen meeting, Bukele posted on X, “Now that he’s been confirmed healthy, he gets the honor of staying in El Salvador’s custody,” signaling an ongoing international impasse.
