Senator Denied Access to Wrongly Deported Man in Infamous CECOT Prison—Vows to Continue Fight

U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen revealed on Wednesday that he was unable to meet with Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, a Maryland resident who was mistakenly deported to a notorious prison in El Salvador. Abrego Garcia’s case has drawn significant attention due to concerns over human rights abuses in the facility.

During his visit to El Salvador, Van Hollen engaged with Vice President Félix Ulloa, seeking assistance in facilitating Abrego Garcia’s return to the U.S. Although Abrego Garcia is a citizen of El Salvador, a U.S. immigration judge previously ruled that deporting him would place him in jeopardy.

Van Hollen expressed frustration at not being granted a meeting with Abrego Garcia. He recounted Ulloa’s remarks, stating, “You need to make earlier provisions to go visit CECOT.” Van Hollen made it clear that he was solely interested in speaking with Abrego Garcia and not touring the Centro de Confinamiento del Terrorismo (CECOT) facility. Despite his efforts, Ulloa could not promise access either immediately or in the forthcoming week.

In addition to requesting a face-to-face meeting, Van Hollen attempted to arrange a phone or video call with Abrego Garcia to provide updates to his family. Following Ulloa’s suggestion, the senator plans to reach out to the U.S. Embassy in El Salvador for further assistance.

This visit occurred after a federal judge mandated the Trump administration to present evidence regarding its efforts to assist with Abrego Garcia’s release. A recent ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court clarified that while the administration must facilitate such arrangements, there is no obligation to ensure his return to the U.S. President Nayib Bukele of El Salvador has also stated he would not facilitate Abrego Garcia’s repatriation.

The Trump administration has acknowledged the administrative error that led to Abrego Garcia’s deportation. Despite accusations of gang affiliation with MS-13, he has not faced any criminal charges. Van Hollen denounced the actions of the previous administration as an “illegal abduction” and affirmed his commitment to securing Abrego Garcia’s release, indicating that his advocacy may prompt others in Congress to bring attention to similar cases.

Meanwhile, the Department of Homeland Security shared details of a restraining order against Abrego Garcia, allegedly filed by his wife. In response, Jennifer Vasquez Sura clarified that the situation was exaggerated and that she chose not to pursue the civil case further.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt reiterated the administration’s position during a press briefing, emphasizing Abrego Garcia’s allegations of gang involvement and questioning media portrayals of him as a “Maryland father.”

Patty Morin, mother of a Maryland victim of a violent crime committed by a Salvadoran immigrant, also spoke at the briefing, supporting the administration’s tough stance on immigration and deportation.