In an extraordinary and controversial move, several Democrat lawmakers have announced plans to travel to El Salvador next week to pressure President Nayib Bukele into releasing Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a deported MS-13 gang member, from the Central American nation’s high-security prison system.
Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), one of the leading voices behind the initiative, told reporters on Monday that he intends to meet with Bukele to “demand the immediate release of what he calls a ‘wrongfully detained’ Maryland resident.” Van Hollen warned that if Bukele refuses to release Abrego Garcia, he would view the ongoing detention as “kidnapping.”
Democrats Sidestep Gang Allegations
While Van Hollen and his allies describe Abrego Garcia as a “father of three” and a “Maryland man,” they have not acknowledged the gang-related findings that led to his removal.
Two immigration courts previously determined that Abrego Garcia was a member of MS-13, a U.S.-designated foreign terrorist organization. His deportation was executed in accordance with that classification and his illegal immigration status.
Trump White House officials, including Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, insist the deportation was fully lawful:
“He’s not even allowed to be in the United States under federal law. His foreign terrorist designation compelled his removal.”
Supreme Court Order Triggers Diplomatic Rift
The U.S. Supreme Court recently ruled that the U.S. must “facilitate” Abrego Garcia’s return if El Salvador chooses to release him—but stopped short of compelling El Salvador to comply.
President Bukele addressed the controversy during an Oval Office visit with President Trump on Monday, flatly rejecting the notion of returning Abrego Garcia to U.S. soil:
“How can I smuggle a terrorist into the United States? Of course I’m not going to do it. The question is preposterous.”
The Trump administration confirmed in a Saturday court filing that Abrego Garcia is currently held in CECOT, El Salvador’s high-security Terrorism Confinement Center, known for housing the most dangerous gang leaders.
Democrats Plan Foreign Pressure Campaign
Despite Bukele’s firm stance, Senator Van Hollen insisted that the El Salvadoran leader “hand over and release an innocent man” or face political consequences. He added:
“President Trump could have said ‘bring him home,’ but he didn’t. Instead, the administration continues to lie about Mr. Abrego Garcia.”
Van Hollen is not acting alone. Reps. Maxwell Frost (D-FL) and Robert Garcia (D-CA) have pledged to join him in El Salvador. Frost stated he would help “organize other members” of Congress to accompany the mission.
Critics argue that the trip amounts to a direct interference in the legal process and sovereignty of a foreign nation, particularly given El Salvador’s stance on MS-13 and its efforts to dismantle the gang’s operations domestically.
Legal and Diplomatic Implications
While the Supreme Court’s order requires the U.S. to facilitate Abrego Garcia’s return if he is released, the Trump administration maintains that it cannot legally compel a sovereign government to extradite or release a prisoner.
Attorney General Pam Bondi has clarified that the U.S. “will provide transportation if El Salvador chooses to return him—but it is entirely up to them.”
Meanwhile, Judge Paula Xinis is pressing the Trump DOJ to detail what steps have been taken toward facilitating his return, signaling the potential for a contempt of court battle if federal officials do not comply.
The Bigger Picture
The case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia has emerged as a flashpoint in the debate over immigration, gang violence, and judicial overreach. While Democrats frame it as a human rights issue, Republicans assert it is a national security matter involving the lawful removal of a foreign terrorist.
The upcoming trip by lawmakers to El Salvador—an unprecedented act of diplomatic pressure by U.S. legislators—may strain relations further and raise serious questions about the separation of powers, immigration enforcement, and the role of courts in directing foreign affairs.