U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Maryland) has strongly defended his actions to support the legal rights of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland resident who was deported to El Salvador.
His comments come after President Donald Trump and his allies accused Abrego Garcia of being linked to criminal activities and questioned Van Hollen’s support.
In an interview on ABC News’s “This Week”, Van Hollen made it clear that he is not defending Abrego Garcia’s past, but rather the principle of due process and rule of law for everyone, including undocumented immigrants.
“I Am Not Defending the Man, I Am Defending the Law”
During the interview, host Jonathan Karl asked Van Hollen if he had concerns about backing a man with a questionable past, including allegations of abuse made by his wife in a past court case.
Van Hollen replied:
“I am not defending the man. I’m defending the rights of this man to due process. And the Trump administration has admitted in court that he was wrongfully detained and wrongfully deported.”
He added that protecting one person’s rights protects everyone’s legal rights in the long run.
Wrongful Deportation and Detention Admitted in Court
Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran national, was living in Maryland with his wife, Jennifer Vasquez Sura, and their children when he was deported. The U.S. government later admitted in court that his deportation was a mistake.
However, he was sent to El Salvador’s terrorist detention center, where his wife and family lost contact with him. The Trump administration has since changed its stance, now accusing him of being a gang member, without providing solid evidence in court.
Van Hollen Demands Evidence in Court, Not on Social Media
Senator Van Hollen criticized Trump and his allies for making public accusations instead of respecting the legal process:
“The Trump administration is trying to change the story. They should bring their evidence to court. Judge Xinis, who reviewed the case, clearly said they presented no link between Abrego Garcia and MS-13 or any other terrorist group.”
He urged the administration to “put up or shut up in court.”
Support from Abrego Garcia’s Family
Van Hollen recently traveled to El Salvador to check on Abrego Garcia’s condition. His wife, Jennifer Vasquez Sura, said she and her children were thankful to the senator and others fighting for her husband’s return.
“My children and my prayers have been answered. We now know that my husband is alive,” she said.
She added that while she has hope, she still fears for her family’s safety and continues to pray and fight for his return.