Senator Chris Van Hollen, D-MD., had a meeting with Kilmer Abrego Garcia, a Maryland resident who was deported to the Terrorist Confinement Center (CECOT) in El Salvador this Thursday.
This engagement with MP Abrego Garcia follows two previous attempts to speak with him via phone that were unsuccessful.
“I mentioned that the primary objective of this trip was to meet Kilmer. I had that chance this evening,” Van Hollen shared. In his Thursday update x.
“I contacted his spouse Jennifer to convey his message of affection and look forward to providing a detailed report upon my return,” he included in his caption accompanying the image with Abrego Garcia dressed in civilian attire.
As images of their encounter were released, Salvadoran President Naib Bukele celebrated their meeting.
“Kilmer Abrego Garcia miraculously escapes from the ‘death camp’ and ‘torture’ and is enjoying Senator Van Hollen and margaritas in El Salvador’s tropical haven,” remarked Bukele. In his Thursday update x.
“Now that he has been confirmed to be in good health, he will be honored by remaining in custody in El Salvador,” he elaborated. In later posts.
Leaders from Latin America have reiterated a message from the White House stating they will not assist in Abrego Garcia’s return to the U.S.
The Trump administration had declined to support Abrego Garcia’s release. The Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, and Lower Courts all ruled that the Trump administration must attempt to “facilitate” his return.
The immigration court decided that Abrego Garcia would be deported to El Salvador following an asylum order.
