Cliff Notes
- Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland met Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a man wrongfully deported to El Salvador during Donald Trump‘s administration, amid ongoing legal efforts to secure his return to the US.
- The senator was reportedly denied entry to a high-security prison in El Salvador, which he condemned as "appalling," prompting a response from the White House.
- Garcia’s deportation has sparked controversy, with allegations of administrative errors and concerns over the treatment of individuals claimed to be gang members without evidence or trial.
US senator meets man at centre of El Salvador deportation row | World News
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A US senator has met with a man Donald Trump’s administration wrongly deported to El Salvador.
The Democratic senator for Maryland, Chris Van Hollen, posted photos of his meeting with Kilmar Abrego Garcia, whose attorneys are fighting to force Mr Trump’s administration to facilitate his return to the US.
He said: “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.”
The meeting came hours after Mr Van Hollen said he was denied entry into a high-security prison in El Salvador while he was trying to check on Mr Garcia’s well-being and advocate for his release – something the White House has called “appalling”.
Mr Garcia’s wife, Jennifer Vasquez Sura, said: “My children and my prayers have been answered.
“The efforts of my family and community in fighting for justice are being heard, because I now know that my husband is alive. God is listening, and the community is standing strong.
“We still have so many questions, hopes, and fears. I will continue praying and fighting for Kilmars’ return home.”
Both Mr Trump and Mr Bukele said earlier this week they have no basis to send Abreo Garcia back to the US, even though the Trump administration called his deportation an “administrative error” and the US Supreme Court has called on it to facilitate his return.
Mr Trump’s officials have said Mr Garcia, a Salvadoran citizen who was living in Maryland, has ties to the MS-13 gang.
Along with Mr Garcia, the Trump administration has deported hundreds of people, mostly Venezuelans, who it claims are gang members without presenting evidence and without a trial.
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Mr Garcia’s deportation has become a flashpoint in the US, with Democrats casting it as a cruel consequence of Mr Trump’s disregard for the courts, while Republicans have criticised Democrats for defending him and argued his deportation is part of a larger effort to reduce crime.