U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) has expressed strong criticism of federal immigration officials, labeling them a “terrorist force,” and is now celebrating the release of undocumented immigrant Kilmer Abrego Garcia from ICE custody.
Jayapal mentioned, “This marks a significant step toward justice for Mr. Abrego Garcia, who shouldn’t have been detained at all,” following his release on Thursday.
She added, “He has faced a prolonged smear campaign since he was taken away from his young children and wrongfully deported back in March. He deserves to be at home with his family, not locked up with ICE.”
Reports note that despite credible allegations of past domestic violence, gang affiliations with MS-13, and years of illegal labor trafficking, many Democrats have rallied in support of Abrego Garcia.
A federal judge in Maryland, appointed by President Obama, ordered Garcia’s release and also instructed that he shouldn’t be detained again by law enforcement.
Earlier this year, Abrego García became a symbol for the left opposing the Trump administration’s immigration policies after his deportation to a dangerous prison in El Salvador due to what was termed an “administrative error.”
Since his return, he was last detained in August, and while he was released just recently, his legal team is actively trying to contest a final deportation order issued for Salvadoran immigrants.
“We appreciate the federal judge for upholding due process and ensuring that Mr. Abrego-Garcia gets the constitutional rights he is entitled to,” Jayapal stated.
In July, Jayapal, part of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, had described ICE as a “terrorist force,” a characterization that led to the White House branding her comments as “crazy” and coming from the left.
The Department of Homeland Security appears determined to pursue the deportation case against Garcia, seemingly unfazed by the legal efforts on his behalf.
Tricia McLaughlin, a spokesperson for DHS, criticized the ruling by the judge as a “naked judicial act,” asserting it is legally unfounded and vowing to contest it vigorously in court.
Tom Homan, the White House border czar, also commented on the situation, asserting that “he’s a bad guy” and promising that Garcia would be expelled from the country.
