Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) said on Sunday on ABC’s “this week” that his recent trip to El Salvador was about defending the due process, not protecting Kilmer Abrego Garcia.
Partial transcripts as follows:
Jonathan Carle: You know, the President himself has attacked you by pointing out some aspects of Abrego Garcia’s record, including the fact that his wife received a protection order against him in 2021. Are you worried about the defense of anyone, obviously everyone in this country, even undocumented immigrants? But are you worried about standing so powerfully with someone who has at least a questionable record?
Van Hollen: I’m not defending that guy. I defend this man’s right to legitimate proceedings, and the Trump administration has admitted in court that he was mistakenly detained and illegally deported. My mission and my purpose is to ensure that we maintain the rule of law. Because if we take it away, from him, we put it in danger for all others.
And I want to point out, Carl, yes, the Trump administration is trying to change the narrative. They are trying to distract them. Here they should put the facts: they should put it in court. Judge Sinis, the district court judge in this case, said he had not cited any evidence linking Abrego Garcia to MS-13 or other terrorist activities, so they should be in court or silent. She says it a few times with her decision. So the president, the Republicans and those involved in this will bring your facts to court. Don’t put everything on social media. As for his wife, his rights could be respected as his wife is the one who asks us all to take him home.
Carl: And in reality, even if he’s a gang member, that doesn’t mean you don’t have the rights.
Van Hollen: Well, exactly, but again, the place where the courts are going to file their case does not have evidence before the judge. So, again, I will stand in court and be silent.
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