Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-Texas), a centrist Democrat from the border district, criticized members of his party for their eager focus on the case of Kilmer Abrego Garcia, a Maryland resident who was wrongfully deported to El Salvador last month.
In a Wednesday interview on News Nation’s “Balance with Leland Vittert,” Cuellar acknowledged the “due process question” surrounding Abrego Garcia, but stated that there were more urgent matters that constituents want Democrats to concentrate on.
Cuellar also pointed out that some Democrats were increasingly discussing border security, but he claimed that these individuals have been critical of him for advocating for Abrego Garcia’s return to the U.S.
“We’ve been advocating for robust border security for many years, and now we see Democrats engaging in discussions about borders,” Cuellar remarked.
“However, with all due respect,” he continued, “when you’re discussing bringing someone back — and I was in Maryland, and now in El Salvador.
He urged Democrats to prioritize “strong border security” along with “the impact of living costs, the effect of tariffs on consumers, and the recent developments in the stock market.”
“These are the issues that resonate with people in my district,” Cuellar expressed, noting that during his travels in the area, “I seldom receive inquiries about that individual from Maryland because I want to engage on other topics.”
This interview comes as some Democrats begin to question whether the contentious issue serves as a successful strategy amidst Republican criticism, and it highlights internal divisions within the party.
On Monday, four House Progressives traveled to El Salvador, following Sen. Chris Van Hollen’s (D-MD) visit there last week, coinciding with Abrego Garcia’s return to the United States. The group aimed to address threats to essential constitutional rights.
“This centers around a legitimate process, ensuring that we abide by the laws in this country,” Rep. Maxwell Frost (D-FLA.) stated Tuesday after returning from El Salvador.
Cuellar commented on the trip during a Wednesday interview.
“I understand some of my colleagues… they went there, you know, they’re trying to facilitate the individual’s return. Is this the subject we should be discussing?” Cuellar questioned.
