Majority Whip Rep. Tom Emmer (R-Minn.) opposed Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and stated that Kilmer Abrego Garcia, a man from Maryland who was recently deported, was subjected to the appropriate legal process.
Emmer appeared on CNN’s “Confederation State” on Sunday, where host Dana Bash questioned Van Hollen about his earlier claims that the Trump administration had deported Abrego Garcia without providing him the opportunity for constitutional due process.
“It’s quite intriguing to see individuals assert that this undocumented foreigner, who is not a resident of the U.S., is a citizen of El Salvador. In fact, they underwent a valid procedure during the asylum hearing.
Like other supporters of Trump, Emmer accused Abrego Garcia of having ties to the Venezuelan gang MS-13, asserting that the administration is removing violent gang members. Both Abrego Garcia and his spouse refuted the claim of his gang affiliation.
Bash pressed Emmer to justify his call for deportation, arguing that there was no hearing to decide if Abrego Garcia was a criminal or affiliated with a gang.
“Actually, I believe he received the due process he was entitled to,” Emmer responded. “In this instance, undocumented individuals were sent back to El Salvador. Initially, the administration perceived it as an error, but then clarified that it was not.”
If Bash was referring to the legitimacy of the procedures regarding Abrego Garcia as understood by Minnesota Republicans, particularly a 2019 hearing that allowed him to remain in the U.S.
“When he applied for asylum and it got denied, that’s the hearing I’m referencing. I won’t delve into my transcript,” Emmer remarked.
Part of Abrego Garcia’s 2019 deal included safeguarding him from violence in El Salvador. Bash noted that he has a protective order against deportation specifically to El Salvador.
Emmer sidestepped Bash’s observations, stating it was notable that Van Hollen and CNN were “doubling down on illegal immigrants” and did not back individuals who endanger immigrants.
Lawmakers contended that the Supreme Court’s directive to “encourage” the administration’s return should rest with El Salvador.
The Trump administration has put forth similar points, indicating that it cannot mandate foreign governments to accept someone back. El Salvador has expressed unwillingness to accept Abrego Garcia.
“I’m focusing on the citizens of El Salvador currently residing there. The United States is not in a position to forcibly remove individuals from that country. This responsibility lies with the president of El Salvador, not the Trump administration,” Emmer stated.
